Leleti Khumalo discusses Sarafina ahead of movie premiere. Excitement is high as it is just two days left until the big reveal of the IMAX version of Sarafina! Set to premiere on the 11th of August.
Sarafina!, a cherished classic, not only sheds light on the harrowing circumstances that befell students during the apartheid era but also pays tribute to the unyielding strength and resilience displayed by the women supporting them.
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As the world prepares to commemorate Women’s Day, we pay tribute to remarkable women like Leleti Khumalo, the late Mama Miriam Makeba, the late Mama Mary Twala Mhlongo, Whoopi Goldberg, Sindi Ndlathu, and many more, whose contributions breathed life into Sarafina!.
Thus, etching our history onto the annals of time for generations to come. In an interview, iconic actress Leleti Khumalo, who portrays the central character Sarafina!, graciously shared her thoughts.
She expressed her pride in the film’s evolution into an annual tradition, marked every June 16th in commemoration of Youth Day. This serves as a reminder of our past struggles to a younger generation who might otherwise remain unaware of their heritage.
“After 31 years the movie is still as relevant as it has ever been, I think it should be our national anthem.” she added, jokingly.
Khumalo went on to say “Just a year ago, I introduced the film to my own children, and their reception was so enthusiastic. They connected with it as if it were freshly made, understanding and relating to it in a manner as though it had been created just yesterday.
They acknowledged its somber undertones, yet found joy in the collective singing and dancing.”
When the discussion shifted towards the portrayal of women in the entertainment realm, the Imbewu actress astutely observed that women often find themselves on the receiving end of disparity across all industries, not just entertainment.
She emphasized that women must exert exceptional effort to earn their credibility and secure their rightful place at the helm.
Recalling her close collaboration with the late Mama Miriam Makeba, Leleti effused with enthusiasm, recounting the warm, humble nature that characterized Mama Miriam. She described her as a nurturing figure with an unmatched aura of grace and love.
Leleti also disclosed a personal connection to both the character Sarafina! and Mama Miriam. Her own upbringing under the care of a domestic working mother who tended to others’ children before returning to her own resonated deeply with these roles.
Among her cherished memories of Sarafina!, Leleti fondly recalled meeting the late Tata Madiba at the film’s 1992 premiere.
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The new cut of Sarafina! features an interview with the legendary heroes Tata Mandela and Tata Oliver Tambo as they exit the movie theater, making it a moment to watch for until the final curtain.
Sarafina! is poised to hit 28 theaters nationwide on August 11th, treating audiences to an immersive IMAX cinematic experience.
