SA’s ‘Don't Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight’ a hit at Toronto festival

South African film and television production company Rose and Oaks Media’s latest feature film, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, has received rave reviews and critical acclaim at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada.

Directed by Embeth Davidtz, the film stands out as one of the major cinematic works of 2024, among other international films screened at the festival, which concluded on Sunday.

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight is based on the book of the same title, written by Alexandra Fuller, which is highly acclaimed and a New York Times best-seller.

The film stars 8-year-old newcomer Lexi Venter as the lead character, Bobo. Embeth Davidtz portrays the role of Nicola, Bobo’s grief-stricken mother.

Cast members include Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, Rob van Vuuren and Anina Reed, who graced the festival’s red carpet this past weekend.

Davidtz expressed her excitement, saying: “It is a heartwarming and remarkable moment to have my directorial debut recognised as one of the best films at this year’s TIFF.

“This recognition is a result of the hard work and joint effort of everyone who was involved in the project.

“I am incredibly appreciative of this honour and motivated to continue telling more authentic stories.”

Rose and Oaks Media was founded by Anele Mdoda, Frankie Du Toit and Paul Buys.

Buys, producer at the production company, said: “We are filled with immense joy to see our film being received so well on an international stage.

“We are proud to have been a part of this prestigious film festival and to receive positive feedback from industry critics globally.

“This is a profound moment for all of us, and it is truly an honour to represent the South African film industry so well.”

Mdoda, who is also the executive producer at Rose and Oaks Media, said: “Our hearts are beaming with pride following the exceptional reception that our film received during its screening at the TIFF.

“This is the start of many more brilliant international films and stories that Rose and Oaks Media is yet to be a part of.”

Cape Times