The film was one of three films submitted to the NFVF to be considered for submission to the 81st Academy Awards - The Oscars, for nomination to represent South Africa. A panel appointed by the NFVF made up of professionals sat last week to consider a film to represent SA and a unanimous decision was taken to present Jerusalema as the official SA film for Best Foreign Film for 2009.
The NFVF is the officially recognised body by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences that makes the submission on behalf of the SA film industry.
Written and directed by Ralph Ziman and produced by Tendeka Matatu, Jerusalema is a dynamic and compelling epic that takes an unwavering and blisteringly stylised look into the crime, corruption, and transgressions of the new South Africa. The film was released to both box office and critical acclaim at the end of August 2008 and continues to enjoy a highly successful theatrical run in SA. It is being distributed through United International Pictures in partnership with Metro FM and the Gauteng Film Commission.
“The entire ‘Jerusalema' team and I are extremely honoured and excited to be selected as the South African entry for the Best Foreign Film Category,” said producer Matatu. “Most importantly we thank our audiences for the amazing support they have shown the film to date”
Matatu hopes that the entry will reinforce the value of local productions and further interest audiences to continue supporting the SA film industry.
According to NFVF CEO Eddie Mbalo, the high production value of the film attests to the ability of the SA film industry to meet global standards of quality in filmmaking, while retaining a distinct SA flavour that has universal appeal.
Mbalo believes that entry into the 81st Academy Awards is a positive sign of SA productions taking a strong position in responding to the call to enter and compete in the international arena. The quality of productions and our presence globally through festivals, markets and awards is a recognition of the unparalleled growth of the industry since 1994. This is an added incentive for local filmmakers to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.
Jerusalema joins the list of several SA productions, including Best Foreign Film award-wining Tsotsi and nominated film Yesterday, to represent the country's growing presence at the Oscars.
