Embeth Davidtz's 'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight' picked up by Sony Pictures Classics
Rob Van Vuuren, Anina Hope Reed, Zikhona Bali, Lexi Venter, Fumani N. Shilubana, and Davidtz are among the cast members.
Embeth Davidtz’ writing and directing debut, 'Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight', has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. Picture: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight, Embeth Davidtz's directorial debut, is based on Alexandra Fuller's memoir of the same name. The news, which is good for South African cinema, is that Davidtz has signed a deal with Sony Pictures Classics for worldwide distribution.
Rob Van Vuuren, Anina Hope Reed, Zikhona Bali, Lexi Venter, Fumani N. Shilubana, and Davidtz (Schindler's List, Matilda) are among the cast members. Executive producers Anele Mdoda and Frankie du Toit worked with Helena Spring, Paul Buys, and Davidtz to produce the movie.
At the recent Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals, Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight was well-received. Davidtz was commended for her outstanding directing and writing debut, while 8-year-old Venter was hailed for her outstanding performance. The movie will next be shown in Switzerland from 3–13 October at the Zurich Film Festival.
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Based on Fuller's memoir, Don't Let's Go To The Dogs, the film follows eight-year-old Bobo as she spend her early years on her family's farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) in the aftermath of the Zimbabwean war of independence (1979–1980). The film depicts her upbringing. Bobo absorbs all sides of the conflict as she grows up in the midst of this protracted conflict.
She attempts to use magic to make sense of her life, but she is conflicted by her love for people on different sides. The movie explores the family's strong relationship with Africa, the severe scars the war left on survivors, and Rhodesia's closing days through the perspective of an eight-year-old girl.
Davidtz explains: "I'm excited to be collaborating with Sony Pictures Classics to present Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight to audiences worldwide.
"I had the pleasure of collaborating with them on Junebug, and I witnessed their enthusiasm and expertise in bringing that movie to the audience. The fact that they are now releasing my screenplay and directing debut is like a dream come true - at the time, I could never have envisioned it. The movie pays homage to everyone who endured trying times in history," she said.