Apart from the Bollywood face-off between Gadar 2 and Jailer at South African cinemas this Friday, three other films are debuting on the big screen. And two of them have a local connection.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on back on the big screen in animated form courtesy of Mutant Mayhem, a reboot that takes the masked crime fighters back to the first time they stepped out from the shadows – to earn the love of New York City by defeating a mysterious syndicate. From Seth (Superbad) Rogan and The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ Jeff Rowe, Mutant Mayhem’s star-heavy voice cast includes Ice Cube, Jackie Chan, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Post Malone, Paul Rudd, Rose Byrne, and more.
Read our full review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem here.
A video game movie with a difference, Gran Turismo is inspired by the true story of a Gran Turismo player who went on to become a professional race car driver. Essentially a sports drama, Gran Turismo tells the tale of working class Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) who receives the unique opportunity to race for Nissan via the GT Academy. Despite doubters, he has David Harbour’s former driver and Orlando Bloom’s idealistic motorsport executive in his corner. Also with Geri Halliwell and Djimon Hounsou.
Gran Turismo is directed by South African filmmaker Neill (District 9) Blomkamp, and will be showing at IMAX cinemas in addition to traditional cineplexes.
Finally, there’s the 30th anniversary re-release of South African struggle musical Sarafina!. Digitally remastered with additional scenes included, this Apartheid Era-set film looks at the Soweto Uprising of 1976, where black youth rose up in protest against their oppression. Idealistic high school student Sarafina (Leleti Khumalo) is inspired by her mother Angelina (the legendary Miriam Makeba), and teacher Mary Masembuko (Whoopi Goldberg).
Along with screenings at 28 cinemas across the country from tomorrow, Sarafina! will be premiering in IMAX format – the first time for a local film – on 8 and 10 August.