A scene from “Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight”. Picture: Instagram.
US-born Mzansi filmmaker Embeth Davidtz has inked a major deal with Sony Pictures Classics for her debut feature film, “Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight”, to be distributed by the global production powerhouse.
The film is based on Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of the same name and was recently screened at the Telluride and the renowned 49th Toronto International Film Festival.
It is also set to showcase at the Zurich Film Festival, which takes place in Switzerland from October 3 to 13.
“I am thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Classics to bring ‘Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight’ to audiences globally,” said Davidtz.
She added: “I previously worked with them when I starred in ‘Junebug’ and saw their passion and skill for bringing that film to the world.
“It is like a dream come true that they are now distributing my screenwriting and directing debut, something I never would have imagined back then. The film is a tribute to all who have lived during difficult historical times.”
“Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight” captures the childhood of eight-year-old Bobo (Lexi Venter) on her family farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) at the end of the Zimbabwean War of Independence (1979/1980).
Growing up in the midst of this long-running war, Bobo internalises both sides of the struggle. Conflicted by her love for people on opposing sides, she tries to make sense of her life in a magical way.
Through her eight-year-old eyes, the film takes audiences on a powerful journey through Rhodesia’s final days, exploring the family’s unbreakable bond with Africa, and the deep scars that the war left on survivors.
Other cast include Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, Rob Van Vuuren and Anina Hope Reed.
The film was produced by Helena Spring, Paul Buys and Davidtz, in collaboration with executive producers Anele Mdoda and Frankie Du Toit of Rose and Oaks Media.
A Sony Pictures Classics representative said: “Embeth Davidtz has become a triple threat: formidable director, screenwriter, and actress. ‘Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight’ is a powerful, complete theatrical film experience that is beautifully directed and features one of the finest performances by a child you will ever see.”