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Johannesburg - The pre-screening of the South African-produced film Beyond the River received roaring applause from about 800 guests who turned up for the event on Wednesday night at the Zone in Rosebank.
Based on the book Confluence by Piers Cruickshanks, the film details the true events of two men from starkly different backgrounds who overcome their personal challenges to win gold in the 2014 Dusi Canoe Marathon.
True to the content of the film, one of the décor highlights of this week’s event was a yellow canoe, positioned against a green screen backdrop, where photo-friendly guests could have their snaps taken while holding paddles.
Lots of guests had fun partaking in the “staged” photo op, which had a sunset background once the photos were printed. Guests could also get the photos emailed directly to them almost immediately – a sure-fire way to keep them happy.
The event’s organisers live-streamed the arrivals on the red carpet on Facebook, adding a touch of digital flair, which is all the rage these days.
Wine flowed freely as guests indulged in finger snacks. Some party-goers opted for the nonalcoholic beverage station, which served fresh fruit juice.
Four cinemas were used for the event to accommodate the large turnout.
At an informal media briefing ahead of the screening, the cast and crew shared some of their experiences while making the film.
Veteran actress Mary Twala looked fabulous in a purple full-length dress worn with a string of pearls.
Confluence author Cruickshanks and Siseko Ntondini, on whom the book is based, sat alongside the actors who portrayed them in the film.
Lemogang Tsipa of When We Were Black fame plays Ntondini, and Grant Swanby of Blood Diamond fame stars as Cruickshanks.
Ntondini said he was thrilled when he found out that Tsipa would be playing him because he had, coincidentally, seen him on TV the night before.
This film is a hottie and well worth seeing.
Watch the trailer here:
The film opens in cinemas nationwide on Thursday, 27 April.
