Tsotsi brings benefits for all

The historic announcement that 'Tsotsi' has been awarded Best Foreign Language Film by the 78th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles has been greeted by unprecedented jubilation across the country.

"South Africa has found a new creative idiom. With 'Tsotsi' we have emphatically shown the world that we are master storytellers and with excellent production values can compete on a competitive, global entertainment stage," says newly appointed Gauteng Film Office (GFO) Chief Executive Terry Tselane.

He says the film industry, tourism, the hospitality sectors, the music and recording industries are some of the sectors that stand to benefit from the international exposure generated in response to the Award.

Shot on location in Johannesburg and Soweto and featuring a South African cast and production team, 'Tsotsi' is the second South African film to be nominated in the Best Foreign Language category by the Academy in as many years.

"We believe that 'Tsotsi' underlines some of the rewards that can be realized from increased local content development. The fact that South African audiences have responded well to the film should be an indication of the potential lucrative domestic market that exists for local productions. The GFO is exceedingly proud to have been a part of this particular project," Tselane says.