The First South African Film
The first South African film, "The Great Kimberley Diamond Robbery," was produced in 1910, marking the beginning of the country's cinematic journey.
1910
1916
First Feature Film
“De Voortrekkers,” directed by Harold M. Shaw, was released in 1916 and is considered the first feature-length film in South African cinema.
1956
The Rise of Afrikaans Cinema
The establishment of the National Film Board in 1956 led to the proliferation of Afrikaans-language films, reflecting the cultural policies of the apartheid regime.
1964
“Zulu” Premieres
The epic war film “Zulu,” depicting the Battle of Rorke's Drift, premiered in 1964 and became one of the most internationally recognized South African films.
1976
“e’Lollipop” Released
The film “e’Lollipop” was released in 1976, becoming a significant commercial success and a beloved classic in South African cinema.
1980
“The Gods Must Be Crazy”
Jamie Uys' film “The Gods Must Be Crazy” was released in 1980, achieving international acclaim and becoming a box-office hit worldwide.
1991
End of Apartheid Censorship
With the end of apartheid, the censorship laws that had restricted South African filmmakers were lifted, allowing for more diverse and critical storytelling.
1995
“Cry, the Beloved Country”
The film adaptation of Alan Paton's novel “Cry, the Beloved Country” was released in 1995, receiving international recognition and critical acclaim.
2003
“Yesterday” Nominated for an Oscar
The film “Yesterday,” directed by Darrell Roodt, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2003, highlighting South African cinema on the global stage.
2005
“Tsotsi” Wins an Oscar
“Tsotsi,” directed by Gavin Hood, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2005, bringing significant international attention to South African cinema.
2009
“District 9” Released
Neill Blomkamp’s “District 9” was released in 2009, becoming a global success and earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
2013
“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
The biographical film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” based on Nelson Mandela's autobiography, was released in 2013, receiving widespread acclaim.
2015
“The Endless River” at Venice Film Festival
Oliver Hermanus’ film “The Endless River” became the first South African film to compete for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2015.
2017
“Inxeba (The Wound)” Controversy
The film “Inxeba (The Wound)” sparked significant controversy in 2017 due to its portrayal of Xhosa initiation rites, highlighting ongoing cultural sensitivities in South African cinema.
2020
“My Octopus Teacher” Wins an Oscar
The documentary “My Octopus Teacher” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2020, showcasing South Africa’s natural beauty and storytelling prowess.
2023
Growth of Streaming Platforms
By 2023, streaming platforms like Netflix and Showmax had significantly boosted the visibility and distribution of South African films, expanding their reach to global audiences.
