Watching Sarafina! – arguably the most important local film about the Soweto Uprising – on Youth Day is a sacred ritual for many.
But what could be more special than watching the film on the 40th anniversary of the June 16 uprising with its lead actress, Leleti Khumalo?
This week, Ster-Kinekor offered free screenings of Sarafina! at selected cinemas across the country to mark the anniversary.
Khumalo, who attended the screening in Maponya Mall, Soweto, has said the film’s enduring relevance and importance continues to humble her.
Also at the screening were Kwela Tebza, Terry Pheto (who was recently announced as the actress who will play Winnie Mandela in a new series alongside Laurence Fishburne as Nelson Mandela) and Nomzamo Mbatha.
School children who attended the screening also had a chance to spend time with Khumalo. The actress was even happy to sing along and dance with them when they performed a song from the film.
Sarafina!, which was adapted from the original musical theatre piece from the 1980s by Mbongeni Ngema, was originally released in September 1992, and was rereleased on the 30th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising in 1996.
Further screenings of Sarafina! will take place at The Joburg Theatre between June 20 and 25. In Cape Town, the film will be screened for schoolchildren from Athlone and Mitchells Plain on June 22.