Hopeville
Hopeville tells the story of Amos, a reformed alcoholic on a mission to forge a relationship with his estranged son Themba. When father and son arrive in the dusty town of Hopeville, they discover a mean little community where apathy, fear and suspicion are the order of the day.
When Amos decides to restore the public swimming pool so that the young people of the town can enjoy some recreational activity, and his son can pursue a swimming career, he is met with scepticism and resistance from the town’s authorities and its inhabitants.
Through patience, determination and courage, Amos perseveres with his goal of creating a space where his son can nurture his love of swimming. Amos' selfless act ripples through Hopeville, inspiring others to take action and do what they know is right.
Hopeville is the foundation for Heartlines' Values in Action campaign, which includes resources and comedy sketches that aim to encourage people to live out positive values.
Awards
- Rose d’Or Award
- Nominated for an International Emmy Award
- SAFTA awards for Best Production Design and Best Lead Actor (Themba Ndaba)
- SAFTA nomination s for Best Cinematography, Best Editor, Best Hair/Make-up and Best Music
- Nine nominations for the African Movie Academy Awards
Through patience, determination and above all courage, Amos’ selfless act ripples through Hopeville, inspiring others to take action and to do what they know is right. Slowly but surely, good ripples through Hopeville, transforming the town and its inhabitants for good.
Hopeville was first developed by Heartlines, Curious Pictures (now Quizzical) and SABC Education as a six part mini-series which was broadcast on SABC. The mini series went on to win a Rose’Dor in Switzerland and a coveted nomination at the International Emmy’s in New York City.
The mini-series was then re-edited into a feature film, which was screened in cinemas locally, and on SABC.
Production Information
- Running Time: 1h32
- Release Date: 2010 (feature film), 2009 (mini-series for TV)
- Rating: 7+
- Genre: Drama
- Director: John Trengrove
- Cast: Themba Ndaba, Mary Twala, Leleti Khumalo, Terry Pheto, Desmond Dube, Jody Abrahams, Fana Mokoena, Junior Singo, Laul Luckhoff
- Written by: John Trengrove
- Producers: Curious Pictures (now Quizzical Pictures) – Harriet Gavshon, Mariki van der Walt
- Cinematography: Willie Nel
- Production design: Karel Flint
- Awards: Rose d’Or Award; Nominated for an International Emmy; SAFTA awards for Best Production Design and Best Lead Actor (Themba Ndaba); SAFTA nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Editor, Best Hair/Make-up and Best Music; Nine nominations for the African Movie Academy Awards.