Oliver Hermanus' film 'Moffie' to premiere at Venice Film Festival
This is the second film by Hermanus and only the fourth South African film to receive an official invitation to Venice in the 76 years of the festival.
Oliver Hermanus and Portobello Productions are delighted to confirm that their new film, MOFFIE, will have its World Premiere in the official selection of the 76th Venice Film Festival which starts on August 28, 2019.
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Hermanus’ previous film The Endless River (2015) was the first South African film to compete for the Golden Lion. MOFFIE will premiere in the Orizzonti (Horizons) Competition. Hermanus’ film SKOONHEID (BEAUTY) won the Queer Palm at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and his first film SHIRLEY ADAMS was nominated for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2009.
MOFFIE is produced by Fugard Theatre founder South African born Eric Abraham who produced the Academy award-winning films. It is based on the memoir, Moffie, by André-Carl van der Merwe and tells the story of a conscript who embarks on his military service in 1981 South Africa.
The film stars Kai Luke Brummer in his first film lead performance as well as a cast of sixteen young actors, many of whom make their feature film debut.
Hermanus had this to say: ’I am so honoured to return to Venice. The head of the festival, Alberto Barbera, has been such a wonderful champion of my work and I in turn am extremely proud of the cast and crew that have been a part of this return to Venice. We really became one big family making this film and it will be a crowning moment to present the film to them in the context of such prestigious occasion like Venice, not to mention the audience of over a thousand people. What a trip!’
Every year The Venice Film Festival is a highlight of the international film calendar, welcoming only the best in the cinematic arts and plays host to celebrity-filled premieres and film events. It takes place from 28 August to 7 September on the Lido in Venice, forms part of the Venice Biennale and is the oldest film festival in the world.
MOFFIE will be released in South Africa later this year.
Every year The Venice Film Festival is a highlight of the international film calendar, welcoming only the best in the cinematic arts and plays host to celebrity-filled premieres and film events. It takes place from 28 August to 7 September on the Lido in Venice, forms part of the Venice Biennale and is the oldest film festival in the world.
MOFFIE will be released in South Africa later this year.