22 May 2023
TF1 Studio and Newen Connect announce agreement on international distribution of SARAFINA!

Cannes – Friday, May 19th – TF1 Studio and Newen Connect (Newen Studios companies) announce the agreement with Videovision Enternainment/Distant Horizon for the international distribution of Sarafina! in a restored 4K IMAX version. The masterpiece will be screened in the Cannes Classics Selection on Sunday, May 21st.

Presented in the Official Selection at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, Darrel James Roodt’s film, produced by Anant Singh, stars Whoopi Goldberg and Miriam Makeba. The first major film made in South Africa after the release of Nelson Mandela, Sarafina! is today an iconic film about the quest for freedom, a vibrant combination of music and dance.

The version screened at Cannes this year is a new version, including previously unseen footage, restored in 4K by producer Anant Singh, created in partnership with IMAX.

Nathalie Toulza Madar, CEO of TF1 Studio said: “TF1 Studio is proud and honoured to partner with Vision Entertainment to distribute SARAFINA!  around the world. The outstanding beauty of the film and the values it promotes will enchant new audiences, especially young ones. The glorious return of this great film to Cannes is the beginning of a wonderful adventure. The expertise of Newen Connect’s distribution team will be a precious asset to accompany international buyers.”

Singh, Producer of the movie added: “It is great to continue the relationship which began through our 1992 partnership with Les Films Ariane which is now part of TF1 Studio, a Newen Studios subsidiary, with the film now being distributed by Newen Connect.  Today, there are many opportunities to release the film including in IMAX, and also with students and schools, which gives us access to a whole new generation of audiences.  TF1/Newen Studios are equally passionate about the film, and we look forward to working with them on theatrical and other media, and to generating revenue and viewership across the territories of the world.”