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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
With the release of 'More Than Just A Game' at cinemas around the country, award-winning producer Anant Singh is back in the spotlight. Told through the stories of five former prisoners, the film follows the story of political activists on Robben Island who find an outlet for their passion and commitment to discipline through football. For Singh, who pre-screened the film for FIFA executives in Zurich, it's been a labour of love. Project 2010 asked him....  In your opinion, what makes More than Just A Game so unique? It tells the unknown story of organised football among prisoners on Robben Island. This has never been dealt with in any film before. How do you feel the finished product compares to your previous productions? This particular film is in the docu-drama genre which we have not done before. Director, Junaid Ahmed has crafted an amazing film that captures the essence of this amazing story. How do you think international audiences will relate to the theme of this film and the characters? They will find the film inspiring. It shows how these men, faced with the worst oppression under the apartheid regime rise above their incarceration and find an outlet in soccer. This is a human story that one can easily relate to. The Johannesburg Civic Theatre has secured the rights to produce ‘The boys in the Photograph’, a reworking of 'The Beautiful Game' by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton. No doubt there will be other productions and films with a football theme in the build-up to 2010. Do you see your production being as relevant in two years time? ‘More Than Just A Game’, in my opinion, is a timeless film. It is not only a historical record, but a film that illustrates the triumph of the human spirit, so it will always be relevant. What is the lasting legacy for South Africa - and the rest of the continent - you hope to see from the 2010 World Cup? We are hopeful that the economic impact as a result of the 2010 World Cup sees growth that will benefit all. more interviews... |
