Johannesburg – The Ergo Company has announced that “Old Righteous Blues” continues to be a strong contender for South Africa’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
The Academy Awards jurors are set to unveil the shortlisted films on December 17th, which will move forward in the awards season.
“As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in 2025, we are proud to have our film, ‘Old Righteous Blues,’ chosen to represent the nation as the official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
Directed by Muneera Sallies, ‘Old Righteous Blues’ showcases the burgeoning film industry in the country and its capacity to produce world-class content that connects with audiences worldwide.
“With the anticipation of hosting global leaders for the G20 Summit, we are excited to display our rich cultural heritage and artistic creativity,” expressed Muneera Sallies, the film’s director.
“The success of this film serves as a reminder of the essential role cultural diplomacy plays in promoting social cohesion, economic development, and international partnership.
“We look forward to sharing ‘Old Righteous Blues’ with a global audience while hosting international leaders in South Africa for the G20 Summit in 2025.”
‘Old Righteous Blues’ is a poignant drama that explores themes of identity, love, community, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a small South African town.
The story is interwoven with a century-old tradition of brass bands located in the Robertson, Worcester region of the Western Cape.
This area is characterized by its lush fruit orchards and vineyards.
During harvest time, bands with members numbering up to a hundred gather for rehearsal and competition.
With Christmas festivities at the forefront, contests persist until February. Within this lively working-class environment, a contemporary Romeo and Juliet tale unfolds, chronicling a secret romance between characters from opposing bands.
Long-standing wounds from previous betrayals threaten the fabric of the community.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast and emphasizes the nation’s rich cultural diversity.
With an exceptional script by renowned Carol Shore (Muvhango), ‘Old Righteous Blues’ has captivated audiences since its premiere at the Silwerskerm Fees. The film’s team has adeptly transformed the story into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
Carol collaborated with outstanding producers, Cati Weinek (The Fragile King, The Letter Reader) and Dumi Gumbi (Headspace, Mrs Right Guy).
Having succeeded with films like Mrs Right Guy and the SAFTAs award-winner for Best Screenwriting and Best Actor – Freedom (best script by Jafta Mamabolo); The Tokoloshe (Jerome Pikwane); Headspace – the highest-grossing film in SA in 2023 – (directed by Gerhard Painter and Paul Meyer); and the recent five-time SAFTA award-winning The Fragile King (directed and written by Tristan Holmes), The Ergo Company was well-equipped to bring this impactful script to reality.
Featuring Aydan Croy (Suidooster, Arendsvlei), Joshwin Dyson (Arendsvlei), Simon Bruinders (7de Laan, Getroud Met Rugby), Meg Saayman (Arendsvlei), and Kevin Smith (Backstage, Isidingo), the film presents a crew that had not previously had the opportunity to lead their departments on international projects.
This committed crew spent six weeks in the rural Robertson Bo-dorp, culminating in a richly textured, authentically crafted film that moved audiences to tears during its debut at the Silwerskerm Fees in 2023.
The nominees for the Best International Feature Film category will be announced on January 17, 2025, with the 97th Academy Awards planned for Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
‘Old Righteous Blues’ was made possible through funding from the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), KykNet Films, Indigenous Film Distribution, and distribution support from The Ergo Company’s subsidiary, Ergo Distro International.
The National Film and Video Foundation plays a crucial role in developing the local film industry, ensuring South Africa’s representation at the Oscars.
Currently, ‘Old Righteous Blues’ is streaming on DSTV Box Office.
