Gauteng Film Office's success streak continues with international production of Hotel Rwanda

Since their launch in 2002, the GFO has outdone all expectations for increasing investment into the province through oversees film production, and Hotel Rwanda is their latest achievement.

The GFO first met with South African producer Izi Codrone of SAFFCO (South African Film Financing Corporation) who introduced the film office's CEO, Themba Sibeko, to the US producers at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year. By December 2003, South African financing had been secured through the IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) - an incredibly short turnaround for the industry!

Some of the reasons U.S. producers gave for choosing Gauteng as a film destination was the infrastructure, the skills pool amongst film crews, and the locations. An estimated 8 to 10 000 jobs have been created as a result of the film being shot, partly in Alexandra Township and partly in Modderfontein, where the actual hotel set has been constructed.

Hotel Rwanda is directed by Hollywood's Terry George (Screenwriter Academy Award® nominee "In the Name of the Father"), whose directing credits include "Some Mother's Son, and "A Bright Shining Lie". The picture is produced by A. Kitman Ho (whose credits include the multiple Academy Award®-winning films "JFK", "Platoon", "Wall Street").

The international cast includes Don Cheadle ("Ocean's Eleven", "Traffic"), Nick Nolte ("The Hulk", "Thin Red Line", "Prince of Tides"), and British actress, Sophie Okonedo ("Dirty Pretty Things", "Ace Ventura 2"). Heading up the stellar local cast are Desmond Dube ("The Long Run"), Mothusi Magano ("Gums & Noses"), and Leleti Khumalo ("Sarafina!").

Once in Gauteng, the GFO's involvement in production continues, from assisting with obtaining work permits for foreign cast and crew members, to establishing a network for the production. The GFO has also facilitated negotiations between the Hotel Rwanda production and important forums and committees, such as the Alexandra Development Forum and the Thembisa Arts & Culture Department.

Based on true events, "Hotel Rwanda" is the story of a real-life hero whose love for his family provokes him to remarkable acts of bravery during a time when the small African nation is embroiled in a genocidal civil war. When the Hutu militia round up Tutsis for torture and execution, an ordinary man, hotelier Paul Rusesabagina, summons extraordinary courage to save the lives of over a thousand helpless Rwandans - while rescuing his humanity in the process.

"This is an African story that we all can relate to. It's important that the story be told, so we should never let it happen again", stated Themba Sibeko, CEO of the Gauteng Film Office.

United Artists will retain North American distribution rights for the film; Lions Gate will handle international distribution.