South African filmmaker Embeth Davidtz has achieved a significant milestone with the announcement that her directorial debut, “Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight,” has been acquired for worldwide distribution by Sony Pictures Classics. Based on Alexandra Fuller’s acclaimed memoir of the same name, the film has garnered critical acclaim at prestigious film festivals.
Davidtz, renowned for her acting roles in films like “Schindler’s List” and “Matilda,” not only directed but also wrote and starred in the film. The ensemble cast includes Lexi Venter, Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, Rob Van Vuuren, and Anina Hope Reed. Produced by Helena Spring, Paul Buys, and Davidtz in collaboration with Rose and Oaks Media, the film also features executive producers Anele Mdoda and Frankie Du Toit.
“Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight” has captivated audiences at the Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals, where Davidtz’s extraordinary writing and directing debut and young actress Lexi Venter’s exceptional performance have been widely praised. The film will next be showcased at the Zurich Film Festival from October 3 to 13.
Adapted from Fuller’s memoir, the film transports viewers to Zimbabwe at the end of the War of Independence. It follows the poignant story of 8-year-old Bobo, growing up amidst the conflict and grappling with the complexities of love and loss. Through Bobo’s eyes, the film offers a powerful exploration of Rhodesia’s final days, the enduring bond between the family and Africa, and the lasting scars of war.
Davidtz, born in the US and raised in South Africa, has built a distinguished career spanning three decades. Her extensive filmography includes acclaimed works like “Schindler’s List,” “Matilda,” “Bicentennial Man,” “Junebug,” “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” and “Mansfield Park,” as well as prominent television series such as “In Treatment,” “Californication,” “Mad Men,” “Ray Donovan,” and “The Morning Show.”
Eight years ago, Davidtz secured the rights to the book and embarked on adapting it into a screenplay. She made the deliberate choice to shoot the film in South Africa with a local cast and crew, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the story. Davidtz’s extensive search for a child actor led her to cast Lexi Venter, an untrained performer who brought a genuine and compelling quality to the central role.
Helena Spring, a renowned South African producer with over 30 feature films to her credit, including the Academy Award-nominated “Yesterday,” has played a pivotal role in the film’s production.
Davidtz expressed her excitement about partnering with Sony Pictures Classics for the film’s global distribution, citing her previous collaboration on “Junebug” and the studio’s passion for bringing meaningful stories to audiences. She emphasized the film’s significance as a tribute to those who have lived through difficult historical times.
Sony Pictures Classics echoed Davidtz’s enthusiasm, highlighting her exceptional talent as a director, screenwriter, and actress. They praised “Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight” as a powerful and moving film, featuring one of the finest child performances they have seen.