Local film flies the flag at international film festivals

A locally produced period drama has been flying the South African flag at film festivals around the world.

Since the international premiere of Free State at the Kolhapur International Film Festival in December, it has been screened at the international film festivals in Chennai, Bangalore, Sangli as well as the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.

This month the movie will be screened at the Luxor African Film Festival, the Garden State Film Festival and the Cameroon International Film Festival.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed taking this film to festival audiences and have been overwhelmed by the feedback we have received”, said director Sallas de Jager.

“This is a small film, but has had an enormous impact on audiences at the diverse festivals and that is a great compliment for any filmmaker”.

Free State is set in South Africa during the 1970s and tells the story of an open-minded law student. During a summer holiday in the Free State, a random act of kindness by an Indian man sparks an unexpected love affair. When the relationship is exposed, events take a tragic turn.

Former supermodel Nicola Breytenbach and former Mr South Africa Andrew Govender head up the cast which includes some of the country’s most celebrated and well-loved actors.

Leleti Khumalo, Deon Lotz and Rolanda Marais are also seen in die cast.

Locally the film is distributed by Times Media Films. It will be released on circuit on April 27.

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