Exclusive: Johannes Radebe’s memoir JoJo: Finally Home is being adapted as family movie, complete with musical numbers choreographed by the man himself. Radebe, who is South African, has achieved fame as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. His book, released last year, details his journey from poverty to the ballroom and TV studio. It fast became a bestseller.
Anthony Kimble’s Arrested Industries and Helena Spring Films have swooped on the rights and are working on a movie adaptation. Finally Home (working title) will not be a straight-up musical, but will be “packed with heart, great music, wonderful costumes and big dance numbers,” the producers said.
Radebe will exec-produce the film. Raised in the South African township of Zamelda, he faced prejudice as a young boy who was captivated by dance – and Barbies… rather than football and rugby, as was the norm among his peers.
With the support of his mother,...
Anthony Kimble’s Arrested Industries and Helena Spring Films have swooped on the rights and are working on a movie adaptation. Finally Home (working title) will not be a straight-up musical, but will be “packed with heart, great music, wonderful costumes and big dance numbers,” the producers said.
Radebe will exec-produce the film. Raised in the South African township of Zamelda, he faced prejudice as a young boy who was captivated by dance – and Barbies… rather than football and rugby, as was the norm among his peers.
With the support of his mother,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K.-based production company and financier Fugitive has signed a wide-ranging partnership with South African independent producer Helena Spring for a diverse slate of projects.
Spring produced “Yesterday,” a 2005 Oscar nominee for South Africa in the foreign language category. The film was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy and an Independent Spirit Award.
The new partnership will see Fugitive’s Anthony Kimble work with Helena Spring Films to develop a slate of scripted titles for TV, as well as represent them in the international market for commissions and financing.
The slate includes “Neon Gold” (8 x 60′), a cyber thriller set in a Johannesburg of the future that blends a heist adventure tale with a coming of age story; “Common Purpose,” a limited series set in 1984 Apartheid South Africa that follows a group of young people who are jailed for a crime they did not commit; and 12-part AIDS drama “The Year of Facing Fire,...
Spring produced “Yesterday,” a 2005 Oscar nominee for South Africa in the foreign language category. The film was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy and an Independent Spirit Award.
The new partnership will see Fugitive’s Anthony Kimble work with Helena Spring Films to develop a slate of scripted titles for TV, as well as represent them in the international market for commissions and financing.
The slate includes “Neon Gold” (8 x 60′), a cyber thriller set in a Johannesburg of the future that blends a heist adventure tale with a coming of age story; “Common Purpose,” a limited series set in 1984 Apartheid South Africa that follows a group of young people who are jailed for a crime they did not commit; and 12-part AIDS drama “The Year of Facing Fire,...
- 7/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Newly added to Netflix’s streaming library is the South African action-romance “Hard to Get”, from first-time feature director Zee Ntuli, and producers Junaid Ahmed and Helena Spring – the first of a slate of films from the producing pair which they say… Continue Reading →...
- 11/1/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
South African film sales company, Aaa Entertainment, has announced a Us distribution deal with Netflix for the South African action-romance “Hard to Get” from first-time feature director Zee Ntuli, and producers Junaid Ahmed and Helena Spring – the first of a slate of… Continue Reading →...
- 6/15/2016
- by Tambay Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Durban FilmMart, which runs in Durban, South Africa from July 17-20, has announced its project selection for this year.
The 6th Durban FilmMart has selected the 19 docs and features from more than 120 submissions from African filmmakers.
Dfm is a joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival (July 16-26).
“This year, we are pleased to welcome projects from a diverse range of countries on the continent, including Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” said Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office.
“The Dfm has become an important springboard for projects that have been conceptualized by African filmmakers, to support them as the projects move from the idea to exhibition.
“Over the last five years we have seen many projects go on to be awarded further opportunities to develop at various other markets, and eventually be screened in cinemas and festivals around the globe.
“In previous...
The 6th Durban FilmMart has selected the 19 docs and features from more than 120 submissions from African filmmakers.
Dfm is a joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival (July 16-26).
“This year, we are pleased to welcome projects from a diverse range of countries on the continent, including Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” said Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office.
“The Dfm has become an important springboard for projects that have been conceptualized by African filmmakers, to support them as the projects move from the idea to exhibition.
“Over the last five years we have seen many projects go on to be awarded further opportunities to develop at various other markets, and eventually be screened in cinemas and festivals around the globe.
“In previous...
- 5/22/2015
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Durban FilmMart, which runs in Durban, South Africa from July 17-20, has announced its project selection for this year.
Durban FilmMart is in its sixth edition, and selected the 19 docs and features from more than 120 submissions from African filmmakers.
Dfm is a joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival (July 16-26).
“This year, we are pleased to welcome projects from a diverse range of countries on the continent, including Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” said Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office. “The Dfm has become an important springboard for projects that have been conceptualized by African filmmakers, to support them as the projects move from the idea to exhibition. Over the last five years we have seen many projects go on to be awarded further opportunities to develop at various other markets, and eventually be screened in cinemas and festivals around the globe. In previous...
Durban FilmMart is in its sixth edition, and selected the 19 docs and features from more than 120 submissions from African filmmakers.
Dfm is a joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival (July 16-26).
“This year, we are pleased to welcome projects from a diverse range of countries on the continent, including Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” said Toni Monty of the Durban Film Office. “The Dfm has become an important springboard for projects that have been conceptualized by African filmmakers, to support them as the projects move from the idea to exhibition. Over the last five years we have seen many projects go on to be awarded further opportunities to develop at various other markets, and eventually be screened in cinemas and festivals around the globe. In previous...
- 5/22/2015
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
The Durban International Film Festival (July 17 – 27) opens tonight with "Hard To Get" from first-time feature director Zee Ntuli, and producers Junaid Ahmed and Helena Spring - the first of a slate of films from the producing pair which they say will showcase the talent of previously marginalized black filmmakers in South Africa. The film tells the story of Tk, a handsome young womanizer from a small community who falls for a sexy, reckless young thief named Skiets. Thrust into Joburg’s criminal underworld, Tk realizes that his best bet is to trust her and hang on for the ride she takes him on. The action romance "explores the universal theme of...
- 7/17/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The Durban International Film Festival (July 17 – 27) will open with "Hard To Get" from first-time feature director Zee Ntuli, and producers Junaid Ahmed and Helena Spring - the first of a slate of films from the producing pair which they say will showcase the talent of previously marginalized black filmmakers in South Africa. The film tells the story of Tk, a handsome young womanizer from a small community who falls for a sexy, reckless young thief named Skiets. Thrust into Joburg’s criminal underworld, Tk realizes that his best bet is to trust her and hang on for the ride she takes him on. The action romance "explores the universal theme of love in the...
- 7/4/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The Durban International Film Festival (July 17 – 27) has announced that the opening film at Diff 2014 will be "Hard To Get" from first-time feature director Zee Ntuli, and producers Junaid Ahmed and Helena Spring - the first of a slate of films from the producing pair which they say will showcase the talent of previously marginalized black filmmakers in South Africa. The film tells the story of Tk, a handsome young womanizer from a small community who falls for a sexy, reckless young thief named Skiets. Thrust into Joburg’s criminal underworld, Tk realizes that his best bet is to trust her and hang on for the ride she takes him on. The action romance explores the universal...
- 6/11/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
In late 2011, after winning several literary awards and garnering global acclaim for its clever originality, South African author Lauren Beukes' science-fiction novel, Zoo City, saw its film rights awarded to producer Helena Spring (Red Dust, Yesterday, The First Grader), a fellow South African. 2 years later, in an interview with Smart Monkey TV, published yesterday, Donovan Marsh, whose South African crime drama iNumber Number was just optioned by Universal Pictures for a Hollywood remake, reveals that he's attached to write and direct the film adaptation of Zoo City. Zoo City's story revolves around a character named Zinzi December, a black South African woman. ...
- 11/12/2013
- by Emmanuel Akitobi
- ShadowAndAct
Cast includes Long Walk To Freedom’s Deon Lotz.
Ster-Kinekor will release local production Faan Se Trein in South Africa in January 2014.
The Afrikaans-language family film is written and directed by Koos Roets and produced by Helena Spring.
The cast features Willie Esterhuizen, Deon Lotz (Long Walk to Freedom), Marius Weyers (Blood Diamond), Sandra Kotze (Die Storie van Klara Viljee), Anel Alexander (Semi-Soet), Nicola Hanekom (Jimmy in Pink), Cobus Rossouw and Gamiet Petersen.
The story, likened to Forrest Gump, is about a simple man whose inheritance inspires greed in his tiny Karoo village. It is based on the 1975 hit play Faan se Trein.
Spring who describes the film as “a haunting, yet feel good story about greed and human values”.
The film has already won a number of prizes at the M-Net Silverscreen awards.
Ster-Kinekor will release local production Faan Se Trein in South Africa in January 2014.
The Afrikaans-language family film is written and directed by Koos Roets and produced by Helena Spring.
The cast features Willie Esterhuizen, Deon Lotz (Long Walk to Freedom), Marius Weyers (Blood Diamond), Sandra Kotze (Die Storie van Klara Viljee), Anel Alexander (Semi-Soet), Nicola Hanekom (Jimmy in Pink), Cobus Rossouw and Gamiet Petersen.
The story, likened to Forrest Gump, is about a simple man whose inheritance inspires greed in his tiny Karoo village. It is based on the 1975 hit play Faan se Trein.
Spring who describes the film as “a haunting, yet feel good story about greed and human values”.
The film has already won a number of prizes at the M-Net Silverscreen awards.
- 9/16/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
National Geographic Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to Justin Chadwick's "The First Grader," the film that earned runner-up status for the People's Choice Awards at the just-concluded Toronto International Film Festival.
The dramatic feature tells the true story of an 84-year-old Kenyan, a farmer and former Mau Mau tribesman, who fights to go to school when his country introduces universal education.
"First," which also played the Telluride Film Festival, stars Naomie Harris and Oliver Musila Litondo and was written by Ann Peacock.
The film is the first feature from Origin Pictures, former BBC Films head David Thompson's new production venture. Origin co-produced with Richard Harding and Sam Feuer of Sixth Sense Prods. Exec producers were Joe Oppenheimer, Anant Singh, Norman Merry and Helena Spring.
Singh's Distant Horizon co-financed the film and handled its domestic sale; Goldcrest International is handling international sales.
"When I saw 'The First Grader,...
The dramatic feature tells the true story of an 84-year-old Kenyan, a farmer and former Mau Mau tribesman, who fights to go to school when his country introduces universal education.
"First," which also played the Telluride Film Festival, stars Naomie Harris and Oliver Musila Litondo and was written by Ann Peacock.
The film is the first feature from Origin Pictures, former BBC Films head David Thompson's new production venture. Origin co-produced with Richard Harding and Sam Feuer of Sixth Sense Prods. Exec producers were Joe Oppenheimer, Anant Singh, Norman Merry and Helena Spring.
Singh's Distant Horizon co-financed the film and handled its domestic sale; Goldcrest International is handling international sales.
"When I saw 'The First Grader,...
- 9/20/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Hilary Swank and Dirty Pretty Things star Chiwetel Ejiofor are toplining BBC Films and Distant Horizon's Red Dust, a courtroom drama that began principal photography this week in South Africa. Tom Hooper is helming Dust -- an adaptation of the Gillian Slovo novel -- from a screenplay by Troy Kennedy-Martin, who wrote the screenplay for the 1969 version of The Italian Job. Dust follows an anti-apartheid activist who enlists the help of a former student, now a New York City prosecutor, to help fight a case before South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. BBC Films chief David Thompson and Helena Spring are executive producing. Distant Horizon president Anant Singh and Ruth Caleb are producing. The project is additionally backed by South Africa's Industrial Development Corp.
- 11/21/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A heartfelt and whimsical story, "The Theory of Flight" stars Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter as disabled people thrust together who magically come to love one another. Unfortunately, this warmhearted film shows its story seams too transparently and may receive mixed reaction at the art house venues for which it seems destined.
In this scruffy delight, Branagh stars as Richard, a man frazzled by everyday life and his disintegrating romance with a loving banker. He takes to nonsensical, quixotic quests such as rigging up a homemade airplane and leaping off buildings on Charing Cross.
Not surprisingly, this captures the attention of the system, and "stressed" Richard is sentenced to community service. His assignment is wholly ludicrous, as one would expect coming from a social agency, but in this case, it's also magical. Fragile Richard must care for Jane (Bonham Carter), a young woman in the end stages of a terminal motor disease. Confined to a wheelchair and hunched, she's nonetheless a feisty spirit and, in many ways, healthier than poor Richard.
While the plot arc is transparently predictable, "Theory" bounds with energy and genuinely quirky moments. Screenwriter Richard Hawkins has crafted an uplifting scenario balanced with comedy and pathos -- it is genuinely touching. Under director Paul Greengrass' well-modulated guidance, this Fine Line release is generally pleasing entertainment.
Where "Flight" soars is in the performances: Branagh is wonderful as the addled, desperate Richard, and Bonham Carter flexes her acting muscles in her hunched portrayal that presents this woman's determination and desperation.
Technical contributions are spit and polish, and particularly eloquent is cinematographer Ivan Strasburg's tellingly framed compositions that clue us not only to the characters' daily struggles but to their transcendent inner natures as well.
THE THEORY OF FLIGHT
Fine Line Features
Credits: Producers: David M. Thompson, Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Ruth Caleb; Director: Paul Greengrass; Screenwriter: Richard Hawkins; Director of photography: Ivan Strasburg; Editor: Mark Day; Music: Rolfe Kent; Music supervisor: Sterling Meredith; Costume designer: Dinah Collin; Production designer: Melanie Allen; Casting directors: John Hubbard, Ros Hubbard. Cast: Jane: Helena Bonham Carter; Richard: Kenneth Branagh; Anne: Gemma Jones; Julie: Holly Aird. MPAA rating: R. Color/stereo. Running time -- 98 minutes.
In this scruffy delight, Branagh stars as Richard, a man frazzled by everyday life and his disintegrating romance with a loving banker. He takes to nonsensical, quixotic quests such as rigging up a homemade airplane and leaping off buildings on Charing Cross.
Not surprisingly, this captures the attention of the system, and "stressed" Richard is sentenced to community service. His assignment is wholly ludicrous, as one would expect coming from a social agency, but in this case, it's also magical. Fragile Richard must care for Jane (Bonham Carter), a young woman in the end stages of a terminal motor disease. Confined to a wheelchair and hunched, she's nonetheless a feisty spirit and, in many ways, healthier than poor Richard.
While the plot arc is transparently predictable, "Theory" bounds with energy and genuinely quirky moments. Screenwriter Richard Hawkins has crafted an uplifting scenario balanced with comedy and pathos -- it is genuinely touching. Under director Paul Greengrass' well-modulated guidance, this Fine Line release is generally pleasing entertainment.
Where "Flight" soars is in the performances: Branagh is wonderful as the addled, desperate Richard, and Bonham Carter flexes her acting muscles in her hunched portrayal that presents this woman's determination and desperation.
Technical contributions are spit and polish, and particularly eloquent is cinematographer Ivan Strasburg's tellingly framed compositions that clue us not only to the characters' daily struggles but to their transcendent inner natures as well.
THE THEORY OF FLIGHT
Fine Line Features
Credits: Producers: David M. Thompson, Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Ruth Caleb; Director: Paul Greengrass; Screenwriter: Richard Hawkins; Director of photography: Ivan Strasburg; Editor: Mark Day; Music: Rolfe Kent; Music supervisor: Sterling Meredith; Costume designer: Dinah Collin; Production designer: Melanie Allen; Casting directors: John Hubbard, Ros Hubbard. Cast: Jane: Helena Bonham Carter; Richard: Kenneth Branagh; Anne: Gemma Jones; Julie: Holly Aird. MPAA rating: R. Color/stereo. Running time -- 98 minutes.
- 12/22/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.