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Christiaan Olwagen’s 80’s melodic show, Canary (Kanarie) – featuring comic Schalk Bezuidenhout, this end of the week hit the R1.4m stamp at the South African film industry.
It was announced last month that the film’s run at SA cinemas would be extended due to popular demand.
Canary is a coming-of-age musical war drama, set in South Africa in 1985, about a young boy who discovers how through hardship, camaraderie, first love, and the liberating freedom of music, the true self can be discovered.
According to the distributors of the film, Filmfinity, Canary has raked in an impressive R1 404 290.08 to date. This far surpasses the usual benchmark of R1.2m for South African commercial films.
“We’re thrilled about what the film has achieved thus far, but we’re even more excited about what awaits in 2019,” said Jaco Smit, co-producer and CEO of Marche Media.
“Those who didn’t get to see the film in theatres will be able to watch it on DStv BoxOffice or on DVD in February next year. We’re also very excited about the exclusive release of the film’s soundtrack.
“We’re also currently in the final stages of discussing the international distribution of the film,” Jaco added.
About his role in the critically acclaimed film, Schalk Bezuidenhout said: “I think it’s a very beautiful and important story. I hope that the film will mean something to young people who are struggling with their sexuality. Hopefully, it helps them feel less scared.”
Canary earlier this year won the best feature film award at kykNET’s annual Silwerskerm Film Festival.
