‘SHEPHERDS AND BUTCHERS’ TO BE RELEASED IN THE UNITED STATES

Deon Lotz and Garion Dowds in a scene from the film Shepherds and Butchers. PICTURE: WEB

LOCAL PRODUCER Anant Singh and Twentieth Century Fox announced today the acquisition of the United States distribution rights by Fox to the award-winning film, Shepherds and Butchers. The film will be released in the US on various formats, including Digital HD on 24 January 2017, followed by the DVD release on 31 January. 

Produced by Singh and Brian Cox (who also wrote the screenplay), the movie is helmed by multiple award winning director, Oliver Schmitz - who's worked on Mapantsula and Life, Above All. The film sees Academy Award® nominee, Steve Coogan Philomena as defence attorney, John Weber, while Andrea Riseborough Birdman plays prosecutor, Kathleen Marais.  Shining in his role as a 19-year-old death row prison warder is the rising star of the South African film industry, Garion Dowds. The film also sees an ensemble of well-known South African talent including Deon Lotz, Robert Hobbs, Eduan van Jaarsveldt, Marcel van Heerden and Sylvia Mdunyelwa.

Steve Coogan in his role in the film. PICTURE: VARIETY

Set in late 1980s South Africa, the film follows John Weber, a hotshot lawyer who faces his biggest test when he agrees to defend a prison guard who has killed seven men. What ensues is a compelling charge against the death penalty itself, in a case that changes history.  It is based on the award-winning South African novel by Chris Marnewick, a former advocate of the Durban bar who filled the pages of his book with meticulously researched factual information amassed from his years as a defense attorney.

Commenting on the deal, Singh said, "Twentieth Century Fox has the expertise to handle films that transcend all genres and controversial issues.  We believe that they are perfectly suited to distribute Shepherds and Butchers in the US.  The film will no doubt generate debate and we look forward to a successful release."

The movie will be released in South Africa on DStv’s Box Office platform on 6 February, followed by the DVD release on 20 February 2017. - release by Videovision