Freedom Is Coming! – South African Classic “SARAFINA!” to Be Screened at Marrakech International Film Festival

Freedom Is Coming! – South African Classic “SARAFINA!” to Be Screened at Marrakech International Film Festival

“Freedom is coming…” to the shores of Morocco as SARAFINA!, the 1992 South African musical drama classic, is set to grace the Marrakech International Film Festival. Directed by Darrell James Roodt, the movie stars Leleti Khumalo as the titular character, as well as Whoopi Goldberg, Miriam Makeba, and John Kani.

Due for an appearance at the 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, which will take place from 24 November to 2 December 2023, SARAFINA! continues its legacy as one of South Africa’s most beloved films. With the film’s impact having already touched the international stage through the Cannes Film Festival in 1992 and again earlier this year, the cult classic has already seen its appeal expand across the continent in August, being released to critical acclaim in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Already slated for a special screening at this year’s festival, Leleti Khumalo will be also be attending the occasion. SARAFINA! is one of 16 Special Screenings movies at the festival.

A poignant story about Sarafina (played by Khumalo) and her friends going against the system of Apartheid and undertaking the Soweto Uprising, the film is one of resilience. The film’s producer Anant Singh commented on the film being chosen by the Marrakech International Festival. He called to attention the movie’s ability to elevate hope in the face of adversity while citing the devastating 2023 Marrakesh-Safi earthquake which left almost 3000 people dead in Morocco. With the despair the country has faced, Singh touched on the tragedy and shared that he hoped that “the film helps uplift the spirit of people”.

“The people of Marrakech have been through a lot with the devastating earthquake. As SARAFINA! is a story of hope against all odds, we hope that the film helps uplift the spirit of the people and inspires them to overcome the many challenges they have had to endure.” Anant said.