“Ayanda” South African film to get US release

“Ayanda” is set to be released in the United States of America
. The film by South African director Sara Blecher was acquired by director of “Selma” Ava DuVernay’s company Array for distribution in North America.

The love story, which stars award wining actor OC Ukeje alongside on screen rookie Fulu Mugovhani, had its world premiere on June 13, 2015, at the Los Angeles Film Festival. It was at this event the film won the Special Jury Prize in the World Fiction Competition.


According to reports, Blecher’s film will receive a limited theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles in November, after which there will be with a digital release follow up.

The American distribution deal was brokered by Ten10Films/Restless Distribution. DuVernay’s company has a keen interest in publishing productions by women and filmmakers of colour.

“Not only is AYANDA a story about women, made by women, but it also highlights female entrepreneurship and ingenuity, both talents which can mean the difference between success and hardship in a city like Johannesburg,” said Blecher.

“To have the film bought for distribution by an African American woman who has made her mark in Hollywood was an incredibly proud moment for all of us involved in the making of AYANDA”, said Restless Global’s Tendeka Matatu.

Tendeka added: "Ava DuVernay has long been a champion of black independent films, enabling filmmakers to reach a wider African-American audience. Array is a perfect fit for a film like AYANDA and we could not have hoped for a more suitable North American partner".

The film is also set to debut in London on October 10 2015 at the British Film Institute (BFI) Film festival. Watch the film trailer below: