THEMBA – A BOY CALLED HOPE – the movie that captures the spirit of the moment – opens in cinemas nationwide from 16 July.
Like the popular smash hit film ‘Billy Elliott’, THEMBA – A BOY CALLED HOPE follows a young boy’s hopes and aspirations against all odds. THEMBA is testament to the beautiful game of football and the South African spirit, where many successful players begin their lives and careers in dusty, poverty stricken townships and end up on the playing fields of some of the biggest clubs in the world.
“THEMBA reminds me of my own childhood and youth in a township close to a small village in the Transvaal in South Africa: Like him I wanted to escape poverty , like him I had the hope that our world will be just world one day – and like him I loved my mother who was working at the time as a maid for a white family. To be very honest: in soccer Thembaseems to be simply better than I was.”
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
The film
The movie tells the story of a young boy growing up in rural Eastern Cape, the dysfunctional family life he experiences, the talent and passion for soccer that keeps him going, his protection of his little sister, which results in him being raped by his mother’s lover, their travels to and search for his mother in Cape Town, HIV /Aids, his eventual selection for the juniorBafana Bafana team, the Amajitas, and his public acknowledgement of his own HIV status and survival.
Talent
THEMBA brings to the screen the hottest local stars in their most challenging roles and introduces some highly gifted newcomers.Themba is played by Nat Singo (Beat the Drum, Wooden Camera), his younger self is played by newcomer Emmanuel Soqinase. Celebrated singing star Simphiwe Dana makes her film acting debut as Mandisa, Themba’s mother. Patrick Mofokeng fresh from leading roles in Master Harold and the Boys and Clint Eastwood’s Invictus takes on his most testing role to date as the lodger Luthando,Rapulana Seiphemo star of Jerusalema and White Wedding plays Vuyo, Themba’s father and Kagiso Motsei who played the lead in Malunde is Sipho, Themba’s friend. There are also cameo roles played by International soccer star the German and Arsenal goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann and our own Kaiser Chiefs star Doctor Khumalo.
Beautifully set and shot in Port St John in the Eastern Cape and Masiphumelele township, south of Cape Town, the film is directed by Stefanie Sycholt (Malunde) who also adapted the screenplay from Lutz van Dijk’s book Crossing the Line.
The film is a collaboration by Zeitsprung Entertainment, Rheingold Films and DO Productions and is produced by MichaelSouvignier, Ica Souvignier, Josef Steinberger, Brigid Olën, Marlow de Mardt and Stefanie Sycholt.
Awards
THEMBA – A BOY CALLED HOPE was a multiple award winner at the 21st International Filmfest Emden- Norderley which took place in Germany from 2- 6 June 2010.
At the sold out gala event, THEMBA walked away with first place for the Bernhard Wicki Prize. One of 14 films in competition, THEMBA won against films from all over Europe in this audience award.
THEMBA also scored top honours by winning the prestigious DGB award which goes to the film that best portrays social issues.
Running time is 105 minutes and the film has been given a rating of PG13.
Join the THEMBA community on Facebook and check out the website: www.thembathemovie.com
For more information contact:
Joy Sapieka joyls@mweb.co.za Tel: 073 212 5492
Helene Turvey heleneturvey@gmail.com Tel: 076 024 2993
Themba – A Boy Called Hope,
