Producer Anant Singh has announced that the legacy of the youth activists of 16 June 1976 will be honoured with the broadcast of the film SARAFINA! on e.tv and its sister channel eMovies. Produced by Singh and directed by Darrell James Roodt, the film stars Leleti Khumalo, Mbongeni Ngema, John Kani, Robert Whitehead, Miriam Makeba, Somizi Mhlongo and Academy Award Winner, Whoopi Goldberg.
SARAFINA! will be broadcast on Youth Day, 16 June on e.tv (OpenView Channel 104 and DStv Channel 194) at 3.55pm, and then on eMovies (OpenView Channel 106 and DStv Channel 138) on 17 June at 8.00pm and on 18 June at 10.55am.
The film follows Sarafina (Leleti Khumalo) who, like other young students of the time, adopted a campaign of resistance against the police presence in their schools. She imagines the support of her role model, Nelson Mandela, and finds an ally in her teacher, Mary Masombuka (Whoopi Goldberg), who supports the students in their rebellion against the police presence.
Singh commented, “We are proud to have made SARAFINA! as a tribute to the courage and indomitable spirit of the youth of 1976. The youth have always been agents of change in South Africa, and those who participated in the Fees Must Fall Movement were inspired by them. We are delighted to be partnering with e.tv to share the inspiring story of SARAFINA! with the youth of today, over forty years later.”
Marlon Davids, MD of e.tv channels, says, “SARAFINA! is one of South Africa’s most memorable films, and we are pleased to be able to broadcast it on our free-to-air television channels as we commemorate a significant day in our nation’s history. We are committed to sharing local stories that celebrate and reflect on our country’s journey and SARAFINA! tells a powerful one.”
Khumalo is also the lead actress in e.tv’s hit daily drama series Imbewu: The Seed, which is broadcast on weekdays at 9.30pm. Imbewu: The Seed also marks Khumalo’s first project as Executive Producer along with Anant Singh and Duma Ndlovu.
