DIRECTOR: Muneera Sallies
STARRING: Ayden Croy, Joshwin Dyson, Megan Saayman, Simon Bruinders, Kevin Smith
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 36 minutes
LANGUAGE: Afrikaans
A young man is forced to confront his limitations and face the ghosts of the past in order to unite a fractured community and realize his dream of leading his town's Christmas Choir Band to former glory.
***
Old Righteous Blues is the second feature film from director Muneera Sallies. The film had its world premiere at South Africa’s Silwerskerm Film Festival in 2023, where it won 11 awards. The film went on to screen at the Romford Film Festival in the UK and Panther City Film Festival in Forth Worth in 2024. The film was released in theatres across South Africa in June 2024. The film is distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution and was pre-sold to Afrikaans-language television KykNET.
The decision was made by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee after an extensive judging process, which included scored reviews and in-depth deliberations. “This film is a testament to the exceptional storytelling talent within South Africa. We are honoured to have Old Righteous Blues represent us on such a prestigious global platform, and we believe its universal themes of redemption, community, and overcoming the past will captivate audiences worldwide,” said NFVF’s acting CEO Lebogang Mogoera. Director Muneera Sallies says Old Righteous Blues is "an intense glimpse into the life of a young man, a family, and a community. More than that, it is an intense glimpse into a journey and into the heart of brotherhood, tapping into immense stories of pain, love, dreams, and courage."
The film is produced by KykNET Films in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the NFVF, Indigneous Film, Seashore Films and The Ergo Company.
Old Righteous Blues is a musical drama and it was filmed in Robertson, South Africa.
To check out all previous submissions for South Africa, click HERE.
STARRING: Ayden Croy, Joshwin Dyson, Megan Saayman, Simon Bruinders, Kevin Smith
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 36 minutes
LANGUAGE: Afrikaans
A young man is forced to confront his limitations and face the ghosts of the past in order to unite a fractured community and realize his dream of leading his town's Christmas Choir Band to former glory.
***
Old Righteous Blues is the second feature film from director Muneera Sallies. The film had its world premiere at South Africa’s Silwerskerm Film Festival in 2023, where it won 11 awards. The film went on to screen at the Romford Film Festival in the UK and Panther City Film Festival in Forth Worth in 2024. The film was released in theatres across South Africa in June 2024. The film is distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution and was pre-sold to Afrikaans-language television KykNET.
The decision was made by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee after an extensive judging process, which included scored reviews and in-depth deliberations. “This film is a testament to the exceptional storytelling talent within South Africa. We are honoured to have Old Righteous Blues represent us on such a prestigious global platform, and we believe its universal themes of redemption, community, and overcoming the past will captivate audiences worldwide,” said NFVF’s acting CEO Lebogang Mogoera. Director Muneera Sallies says Old Righteous Blues is "an intense glimpse into the life of a young man, a family, and a community. More than that, it is an intense glimpse into a journey and into the heart of brotherhood, tapping into immense stories of pain, love, dreams, and courage."
The film is produced by KykNET Films in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the NFVF, Indigneous Film, Seashore Films and The Ergo Company.
Old Righteous Blues is a musical drama and it was filmed in Robertson, South Africa.
To check out all previous submissions for South Africa, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“This is for me, who almost forgot how to believe in myself.”
Old Righteous Blues is a breathtaking South African film that stands out for its vibrant portrayal of a unique cultural tradition while telling a universal story of love, ambition, and the weight of legacy. Directed by Muneera Sallies and written by Carol Shore, the film brings the Western Cape Christmas choirs into focus, a tradition seldom seen in mainstream cinema. The story centers on Hantjie Jansen, a young man whose lifelong dream of becoming the drum major of his Christmas choir is jeopardized by family feuds and choir politics. Set in the beautiful town of Robertson, the film captures the heart and soul of a community rich in culture, music, and history.
Ayden Croy delivers a compelling performance as Hantjie, portraying his ambition and internal conflict with remarkable authenticity. His character’s journey is both relatable and deeply emotional, as he navigates the tension between his personal aspirations and the rigid expectations of his community. Megan Saayman shines as Risi, Hantjie's love interest, whose connection to a rival choir leader adds further complexity to the story. Their chemistry is electric, grounding the film in a poignant love story that transcends the backdrop of choir rivalries.
One of the film's strongest aspects is its ability to immerse viewers in the world of the Christmas choirs. The musical performances, coupled with the dramatic choreography, create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Edward George King’s score elevates the film’s emotional core, blending the traditional music of the choirs with cinematic grandeur. The sound design is equally impressive, drawing the audience into the intensity of key moments and making the tension between characters palpable.
Old Righteous Blues delivers a visually fresh and dynamic portrayal of its unique subject matter. William Collinson’s cinematography beautifully captures both the scenic charm of Robertson and the emotional arcs of the characters with remarkable clarity. The fluid, almost wandering camerawork, infuses the film with energy and movement, pulling the audience into the heart of the community. Some scenes are bathed in a soft, nostalgic glow reminiscent of the 1990s, which adds a dreamlike quality and further enhances the film’s emotional resonance.
Old Righteous Blues is a standout achievement. Its cultural specificity does not limit its reach, as the themes of love, ambition, and the weight of tradition are universal. The film’s portrayal of the Western Cape Christmas choirs is done with a refreshing authenticity and reverence, and its emotional storytelling lingers long after the credits. The film is a powerful and heartfelt celebration of South African culture and human resilience, offering an experience that is both deeply moving and uplifting.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“This is for me, who almost forgot how to believe in myself.”
Old Righteous Blues is a breathtaking South African film that stands out for its vibrant portrayal of a unique cultural tradition while telling a universal story of love, ambition, and the weight of legacy. Directed by Muneera Sallies and written by Carol Shore, the film brings the Western Cape Christmas choirs into focus, a tradition seldom seen in mainstream cinema. The story centers on Hantjie Jansen, a young man whose lifelong dream of becoming the drum major of his Christmas choir is jeopardized by family feuds and choir politics. Set in the beautiful town of Robertson, the film captures the heart and soul of a community rich in culture, music, and history.
Ayden Croy delivers a compelling performance as Hantjie, portraying his ambition and internal conflict with remarkable authenticity. His character’s journey is both relatable and deeply emotional, as he navigates the tension between his personal aspirations and the rigid expectations of his community. Megan Saayman shines as Risi, Hantjie's love interest, whose connection to a rival choir leader adds further complexity to the story. Their chemistry is electric, grounding the film in a poignant love story that transcends the backdrop of choir rivalries.
One of the film's strongest aspects is its ability to immerse viewers in the world of the Christmas choirs. The musical performances, coupled with the dramatic choreography, create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. Edward George King’s score elevates the film’s emotional core, blending the traditional music of the choirs with cinematic grandeur. The sound design is equally impressive, drawing the audience into the intensity of key moments and making the tension between characters palpable.
Old Righteous Blues delivers a visually fresh and dynamic portrayal of its unique subject matter. William Collinson’s cinematography beautifully captures both the scenic charm of Robertson and the emotional arcs of the characters with remarkable clarity. The fluid, almost wandering camerawork, infuses the film with energy and movement, pulling the audience into the heart of the community. Some scenes are bathed in a soft, nostalgic glow reminiscent of the 1990s, which adds a dreamlike quality and further enhances the film’s emotional resonance.
Old Righteous Blues is a standout achievement. Its cultural specificity does not limit its reach, as the themes of love, ambition, and the weight of tradition are universal. The film’s portrayal of the Western Cape Christmas choirs is done with a refreshing authenticity and reverence, and its emotional storytelling lingers long after the credits. The film is a powerful and heartfelt celebration of South African culture and human resilience, offering an experience that is both deeply moving and uplifting.
