It’s the local film on everyone’s lips at the moment. After only four weeks on circuit, Vir Altyd has shattered box office records bringing in a massive R13.4 million – beating out it’s predecessor Pad Na Jou Hart which was, coincidentally, produced by the same team and starts the same lead actors Ivan Botha and Donnalee Roberts.
“We confirm that Vir Altyd now has the highest box-office income for an Afrikaans movie. It has surpassed the box-office earnings of Liefling and Pad Na Jou Hart and stands on R13.4 million. We are overjoyed with the success. We congratulate the producers and everyone involved on this achievement. The film is still showing countrywide,” Pieter Geldenhuys of Ster Kinekor Entertainment said in a statement today.
Naturally, writers, co-producers and lead actors of the film, Ivan and Donnalee, are thrilled about the film’s success – especially after all the hard work that has gone into making the film. “It’s such a great honour and privilege for us to reach this milestone,” the two said shortly after receiving word of their milestone. “We’re indescribably grateful to each and every person who has watched Vir Altyd, the feedback has been overwhelming and we appreciate it endlessly! We really hope that the support for Vir Altyd will build momentum for all the upcoming local films that will release this year in order for our South African film industry to go from strength to strength!”
The film tells the story of Hugo and Nina who grow up as best friends, despite her family’s misgivings, but lose contact when a tragic incident changes their lives forever. After ten years, Hugo and Nina see each other again as she is about to marry Retief. However, when her fairy tale comes to a sudden end, she and Hugo go to Mauritius as ‘bride’ and ‘bridegroom’, confronted with painful memories and strong emotions. On the island they realise, after embarking on several adventures and meeting other couples, that it’s not about the happy ending, but about the journey on the way there.
I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I’m so happy to see that our local entertainment industry is growing so beautifully. If you are yet to see the film, do yourself a favour and head to the cinemas this weekend. It’s a film not to be missed. Congrats to the entire team involved.
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