Hopeville, the TV series produced by Johannesburg-based Curious Pictures for the Heartlines NGO and SABC Education, has been nominated for an International Emmy in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category.
The nomination follows hot on the heels of Hopeville’s win for best drama and mini-series at the Rose d’Or Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland on 22 September, where it beat 85 other TV dramas. Hopeville was directed by John Trengrove.
Recently broadcast in South Africa on SABC2, Hopeville tells the story of an alcoholic father played by Themba Ndaba who tries to win the love of his son (Junior Singo) by fixing the local swimming pool. The series explores the impact of doing good in the lives of the whole community.
In the International Emmy competition Hopeville is competing against three other nominees: Germany’s The Author of Himself, the UK’s Small Island and Brazil’s Sound & Fury.
Hopeville also stars Desmond Dube, Fana Mokoena, Terry Pheto, Mary Twala, Jonathan Pienaar and Wilmien Roussouw. Credits include co-producers Harriet Gavshon and Mariki van der Walt; cinematographer Willie Nel; art director Karel Flint; and line producer Daphne Williams. Hopeville is based on a story by Roger Smith and Michele Rowe.
The 38th International Emmys take place on 22 November at the Hilton Hotel in New York.
