Asinamali movie, based on Mbongeni Ngema’s stage play, to air at Cannes

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Asinamali,” written by Mbongeni Ngema and Dylan Ben-Israel, is set to premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The film, which tells the story of a group of political prisoners who come together to form a choir in apartheid-era South Africa, has already generated significant buzz within the film industry.

Ngema, a prominent South African playwright, and Ben-Israel, an acclaimed filmmaker, originally wrote the first draft in 2002, but it has taken many years to finally get the film made and now be available to the world. Ben-Israel and Ngema’s original script, which has transformed many times over the years, has produced a powerful and moving story that captures the spirit of resistance and hope that characterized the struggle against apartheid.

The decision to premiere the film at Cannes is a significant milestone for Ngema and Ben-Israel, as it represents a major platform for their work to reach a wider global audience. The festival, which attracts top filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world, is a highly competitive arena for new films, and the selection of “Asinamali” is a testament to the quality of the work.

“We are honored to have our film selected for the Cannes Film Festival,” said Ngema. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project, and we are excited to share our story with audiences around the world.”

Ben-Israel echoed Ngema’s sentiments, adding that the film is a tribute to the resilience and courage of the South African people. “Asinamali is a story of hope and triumph in the face of oppression,” he said. “We hope that it will inspire audiences to stand up against injustice and fight for a better world.”

As the premiere of “Asinamali” approaches, excitement is building among fans of Ngema and Ben-Israel’s work. The film promises to be a thoughtful and powerful exploration of the human spirit, and its selection for the Cannes Film Festival is a testament to the strength of its message.