Ralph Ziman’s ganster drama Jerusalema has been selected as the official South African entry into the category of Best Foreign Language Film at next year’s Academy Awards (The Oscars). It is now eligible for nomination by the Oscar committee.
The announcement was made by the South African Academy Award Selection Committee and The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) on 6 October.
Jerusalema is currently generating excellent box office returns on the local circuit and has been critically acclaimed. It won the Audience Choice Award at this year’s Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).
“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,’ says producer Tendeka Matatu. “Most importantly we thank our audiences for the amazing support they have shown the film to date.”
According to NFVF CEO Eddie Mbalo, the high production value of the film attests to the ability of the South African film industry to meet global standards of quality in filmmaking, while retaining a distinct South African flavour that has universal appeal.
Mbalo believes that entry into the 81st Academy Awards, is a positive sign of South African 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 South African productions, including Best Foreign Film Language award-wining Tsotsi and the nominated Yesterday, to represent the country’s growing presence at the Oscars.
Nominations for the Oscars will be announced in January 2009, with the awards ceremony taking place on 22 February in Los Angeles.
