'Red Dust' wins at Indian film festival
'Red Dust', set against the backdrop of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has been awarded a special jury award and the Silver Peacock at the 36th International Film Festival of India in Goa.
Producer Anant Singh commented, "We are delighted with the recognition that both the film and [director] Tom Hooper have received from the International Film Festival of India. This award is certainly an achievement for Tom and it is also indicative of the impact the film has on its audience. Red Dust shows that through the TRC, South Africa was able to emerge victorious against the atrocities of apartheid, and establish a harmonious, peaceful country."
Tom Hooper was awarded for the efficient use of cinematic language in his first feature film, and for dealing with the issue of human rights with great understanding. The piece is a co-production between BBC Films and Distant Horizon, produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, David Thompson and Ruth Caleb, and stars two-time Oscar Winner Hilary Swank.
Since its world premiere in Toronto last year, Red Dust has been featured in a number of international film festivals, including Cape Town, Dubai, Bangkok, Palm Springs and the Human Rights film festival in Bologna Italy. In Miami it got the prestigious audience prize. The film was shot in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape and Johannesburg.
