South African film industry is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to around 100 years. Although there has not been much film making scene in the country, South Africa has produced some excellent movies that either won the biggest movie award, The Oscar, or got nominated for it. Cape Town seems to be becoming the hub of the developing film scene in the country as most of the high budgeted studios, film academies and schools are being opened up there.
The country is host to various film festivities including the Durban International Film Festival in the splendid city of Durban. Hence a cheap flight to Durban can lead to an auspicious event showcasing the excellent yet hidden talent of South Africa. Other events include: 12th Encounters International Documentary Festival and Cape Winelands Film Festival.
The industry has done wonders to the economy of South Africa. It is growing at a very fast pace and has potential for more growth. Trusting in its film the industry, the government of South Africa has set it as a sector. The entertainment sector of South Africa is worth R7.4 billion out of which film and television together make up R3.5 billion. Also the country earns well by becoming a favorite shooting spot for Hollywood filmmakers. Many of Hollywood’s famous movies have been shot in South Africa. The city of Cape Town alone has played the role of becoming many destinations like Middle East, Afghanistan etc. Although, shooting at these locations is a lot cheaper than shooting in Europe, Australia and the USA, but this is what invites filmmakers to South Africa and hence generated revenue.
The world wide acclaimed films produced by South Africa are:
Tsotsi:
The word Tsotsi literally means (Thug). Hence the movie is about a teenage thug living in Soweto of the golden city-Johannesburg. The movie focuses on violence, murders, theft and robbery. It won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006.
Invictus:
The Hollywood based 2010 Oscar nomination is a unique blend of rugby and politics. It shows how President Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup Trophy to re-unite a divided nation.
District 9:
It has been regarded as one of the best sci-fi movies of all times. The movie is subjected to the day when earth will not revolve. According to Lev Grossman of Time magazine, it is the best sci-fi movie ever and he wants District 10 to be made.
Cry: The beloved Country:
This movie is based on an award-winning novel by Alan Paton. The high cast movie highlights the racism. The story revolves around a black priest whose son had murdered a white man’s son. The priest and the white man are the main characters.
Zulu:
By far, the best known internationally acclaimed South African movie is Zulu, made in 1964. The movie is totally about South Africa and in the local language. It highlights the mishaps of British reign on South Africa.
Now that the taste of film making is growing in the country, South Africa is developing a film industry to be a healthy competent for other renowned industries like those of USA, India and Hong Kong. Certainly, an industry that can win Oscars or Oscar nominations while growing can reach the top once fully grown. The industry is growing slowly but successfully.
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