The Academy Award® and Primetime Emmy® nominated isiZulu film, YESTERDAY, produced by Anant Singh, directed by Darrell Roodt and starring Leleti Khumalo will be broadcast on 30 November 2021 at 22h00 on SABC 1.
YESTERDAY tackles the issues of HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence which are endemic in South African society. The film provides a timely reminder of these social challenges as the country commemorates World AIDS Day on 1 December, and observes 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from today, 25 November to 10 December.
YESTERDAY tells the story of Khumalo’s character, Yesterday who faces her positive HIV status with grit and determination. Upon discovering that she had contracted HIV through her mine-worker husband, Yesterday travels to see him at his workplace where she confronts him. He denies his status and attacks her violently in full view of security guards who do nothing to stop him. When her husband becomes seriously ill, Yesterday takes him in and takes care of him in his dying days.
Producer, Anant Singh said, “YESTERDAY is as relevant today as it was when we made the film. It continues to create greater awareness around HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence and highlights the resilience of women who are victims of both, but continue living their lives with courage. The film also brings to the fore ‘standbyerism’ where violence against women are witnessed but the observers do not intervene to provide help and support, thereby contributing to the perpetuation of violence against women.”
YESTERDAY holds the distinction of being the first South African feature film to receive an Academy Award® nomination in the Best Foreign Language category, and the only South African feature film to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy® award.
Singh also produced a short awareness film which supports the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The film which features scenes from YESTERDAY can be accessed at: https://youtu.be/3eG1wPHhAx4.
