SA film ‘Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight’ debuts at Toronto International Film Festival
The film, an adaptation of a highly acclaimed memoir, explores the story of young girl who grows up in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in the 1980s, as the country was transitioning from white rule to gaining its independence.
A scene from the film 'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight'. Picture: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s growing presence in the international film landscape has seen the debut of a locally produced feature film make its way to one of the most sought-after festivals on the event calendar.
Don’t Let’s Go to The Dogs Tonight made its debut at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada.
The film explores the story of young girl who grows up in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in the 1980s, as the country was transitioning from white rule to gaining its independence.
It is an adaptation of a highly acclaimed memoir of the same name by author Alexandra Fuller.
The book – which is also a New York Times bestseller - is Fuller’s story about a civil war, a quixotic battle with nature and loss, and a family's unbreakable bond with the continent that came to define, scar and heal them.
The film premiered on 12 September and boasts a couple of firsts: one being American-South African actress Embeth Davidtz’ directorial debut; another being 8-year-old newcomer, Lexi Venter, as the lead character named Bobo.
Davidtz also stars in the movie alongside Venter in her portrayal of the role of Nicola, Bobo’s grief-filled mother.
It also features some familiar faces such as renowned actor Fumani Shilubana (Shaka iLembe), Rob van Vuuren (Ludik), Zikhona Bali (DiepCity), and Anina Reed.
Davidtz told Deadline Hollywood she fell in love with the story after reading it because it resonated with her.
"I moved to South Africa when I was 8, so there are lot of similarities [and] a lot of differences between Zimbabwe and South Africa. I really related to the central character of this young, spunky little girl, and wrote the screenplay with her as the voice and narrator telling the story of that African childhood from her point of view," she said.
In an age-old debate about whether the book or the film is better, the 59-year-old said while the film is an adaptation, fans of the beloved book might be disappointed to see the changes she’s made for the cinema.
"I flipped it so that it was told strictly from the child’s point of view. I added a lot of things. There were a lot of things in the film that I wanted to put in there to enhance the story and make it dramatic but magical at the same time because it’s from a child’s point of view. But the basis of it is strongly from the book," she told Deadline.
The film was shot in South Africa by Rose and Oaks Media, which has had local and international audiences glued to their screens with their variety of offerings on local television and Netflix.
Founders of the company, ground-breaking trio, Anele Mdoda, Frankie Du Toit and Paul Buys, expressed elation regarding their latest global feat.
Speaking about their premier at TIFF, Buys, who produced the movie, said: "We are incredibly honoured to see one of our productions featured at such prestigious film festivals such as Telluride and Toronto. This project has been a journey for us, and the film speaks to our commitment to telling ground-breaking stories that resonate deeply, not just with South African audiences but with a global viewership."
Executive producer Mdoda added: "We are thrilled to be showcasing our work to an international audience. We relish our collaboration with directors that have such distinctive creative voices as Embeth Davidtz."
Speaking about the experience of shooting in Mzansi, Davidtz said it was gratifying.
"This incredible story has been brought to life by the richness of Southern Africa’s history and heritage. Our exceptional cast and production team have also been a pleasure to work with. I commend them for their remarkable dedication and heart," she said.