Videovision

08/03/2026

https://iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/2026-03-07-durban-film-city-r75-billion-dream-ignites/

After nearly three decades of hurdles, the Durban Film City project is poised for a breakthrough, with government support and a passionate vision from producer Anant Singh. Will this multi-billion rand initiative finally transform Durban's film industry?

15/12/2025

VIDEOVISION ENTERTAINMENT’S “DON’T GIVE UP”
CLOSES KZN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

Videovision Entertainment’s award-winning film, DON’T GIVE UP, produced by Anant Singh, closed the popular KZN African Film Festival (KAFF) in KwaMashu on Sunday evening. The film which focuses on the societal issues of poverty and homelessness, was presented by director, Darrell James Roodt and lead actress, Leleti Khumalo. KAFF is acknowledged as KwaZulu Natal’s leading independent film festival and showcases the work of emerging filmmakers and profiles local talent. This year marked KAFF’s 22nd edition.

DON’T GIVE UP achieved international success when it won the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s coveted Golden Nymph Award in the ‘Best Creation’ category in June this year.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, founder of KAFF, Edmund Mhlongo talked about the impact that DON’T GIVE UP made on him and how effectively the silent film technique was used to create an engaging and visually rich film. He also acknowledged the two-decade collaborative relationship that KAFF enjoys with Anant Singh and Videovision Entertainment.

In his address, Darrell Roodt spoke about making DON’T GIVE UP as a silent film which was driven by the musical score of multi-award-winning composer, Phillip Glass and he commended Leleti Khumalo for her powerful performance as the lead character, Faith. He also encouraged young filmmakers to take inspiration from their communities and experiences to tell unique stories.

For Leleti Khumalo, presenting DON’T GIVE UP at KAFF was a homecoming for her as she was raised in KwaMashu. She talked about creating DON’T GIVE UP as a medium to highlight the struggles of people who are homeless. She also spoke with pride of the successful collaboration with producer, Anant Singh and director, Darrel Roodt.

Producer, Anant Singh commented, “We are very proud that the film is celebrated in our hometown and we hope that it inspires young filmmakers to be brave in making story choices and create an industry in Durban which we are trying to do with our film studio project at Natal Command. DON’T GIVE UP is a groundbreaking film which challenges the creative elements and has achieved success with the Golden Nymph award and now to close KAFF is the most special highlight as Durban is our base. DON’T GIVE UP will be on national television shortly. I also wish to congratulate Edmund Mhlongo on his exceptional book on the heritage of KwaMashu and thank him for promoting the creative arts in KwaMashu.”

DON’T GIVE UP is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Distant Horizon starring Leleti Khumalo, Thobani Khubeka, Sibonelo Xulu and Eyama Mbali. The score is composed by the acclaimed Multi Academy Award Nominee, Philip Glass from Producer Anant Singh and is Written and Directed by Darrell James Roodt. The film features Peter Gabriel’s hit song ‘Don’t Give Up’ performed by Gabriel, featuring Kate Bush.

Audiences will be able to watch DON’T GIVE UP on e.tv’s streaming platform eVOD later this month.

21/11/2025

ANANT SINGH AND VIDEOVISION ENTERTAINMENT ADD THEIR VOICES TO THE SCOURGE OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

As part of their continued efforts to help combat Gender Based Violence (GBV), Anant Singh and Videovision Entertainment released a short film today supporting GBV awareness and as a call to action for people to act against this scourge. The film shows how endemic Gender Based Violence has become in our society, while acknowledging the strength and resilience of women.

Singh has offered the film to be used as a resource in GBV campaigns, and can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/OOodvJCqAeU.

Singh commented, “We trust that the film brings to the forefront the seriousness of Gender Based Violence in our society and helps in bringing attention to this grave issue and having it placed on the top of the G20 agenda.”

21/10/2025

SINGH WINS BIG ACROSS CONTINENTS

PERSONAL BEST, executive produced by Anant Singh, won the coveted Best Thematic Documentary Award in the Golden Podiums category of the SPORTEL Awards. Singh was presented with the award at the ceremony at the Gala event at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco last night. The SPORTEL Awards honour sports films / media content that creatively highlight sport and sportsmanship, historical sports records and the beauty of sport.

Anant Singh commented, “We are delighted that PERSONAL BEST has won SPORTEL’s Best Thematic Documentary Award. This is a meaningful acknowledgement for PERSONAL BEST, a film which celebrates the spirit and magic of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, one of the best Games ever staged.” It is a South African / European co-production which makes us very proud.

PERSONAL BEST is an immersive cinematic journey into the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and follows extraordinary athletes as they push their limits in the pursuit of glory. The film tracks athletes from Faith Kipyegon’s relentless strides on the track to Noah Lyles’ electrifying sprints, to Olga Kharlan’s fearless duels in fencing, Léon Marchand’s mastery in the swimming pool, and Cindy Ngamba’s unbreakable spirit from refugee to medallist in the boxing ring, along with badminton stars Huang Yaqiong and Zheng Siwei, and surfing maestro, Jack Robinson.

PERSONAL BEST is Executive Produced by Anant Singh, Videovision Entertainment & Distant Horizon, and co-produced with Olympic Channel Services (Yiannis Exarchos and Kostas Karvelas); Co-directed by Ady Walter and Amal Doghmi, Edited by Amal Doghmi with Original Music by South African composer, Paul Hepker.

On Thursday evening, Singh was honoured by the International Indian Film Festival Toronto (IIFFT) on the occasion of its 10th anniversary with its IIFFT Film Person of the Year Award. Singh’s film, MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM was selected to open the festival. IIFFT is a not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the richness of Indian cinema across North America. The organization is guided by a vision to foster stronger cross-cultural connections through the powerful medium of film, and serves as a vibrant platform for storytelling, dialogue, and artistic exchange.

16/09/2025

OUTSTANDING REACTION TO SINGH’S PARIS 2024 FILM
AT WORLD PREMIER ON FRENCH NATIONAL DAY OF SPORT

PERSONAL BEST, produced by Anant Singh and which focuses on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games had its World Premiere on Sunday, 14 September in Paris as the first event in the official programme of the French National Day of Sport. The premiere was attended by a host of dignitaries among whom were former French Ministers, Jack Lang (Minister of Culture) and Amélie Oudéa-Castera (Minister of Sports and Olympic and Paralympic Games); and Tony Estanguet, Head of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee.

PERSONAL BEST is an immersive cinematic journey into the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and follows extraordinary athletes as they push their limits in the pursuit of glory. The film tracks athletes from Faith Kipyegon’s relentless strides on the track to Noah Lyles’ electrifying sprints, to Olga Kharlan’s fearless duels in fencing, Léon Marchand’s mastery in the swimming pool, and Cindy Ngamba’s unbreakable spirit from refugee to medallist in the boxing ring, along with badminton stars Huang Yaqiong and Zheng Siwei, and surfing maestro, Jack Robinson.

Anant Singh commented, “It is a huge honour to have the World Premiere of PERSONAL BEST as part of the of the programme of the French National Day of Sport in Paris. We were fortunate to have had unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to all events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games which allowed us to create a really engaging film. I am delighted that this South African/Olympic collaboration has been a resounding success.”

PERSONAL BEST is Executive Produced by Anant Singh in collaboration with Olympic Channel Services (Yiannis Exarchos and Kotas Karvelas); Co-directed by Ady Walter and Amal Doghmi, Edited by Amal Doghmi with Original Music by South African composer, Paul Hepker.

12/09/2025

Anant Singh’s new production, PERSONAL BEST, which focuses on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will have its World Premiere on Sunday, 14 September in Paris as the first event in the official programme of the French National Day of Sport which was declared by President Emmanuel Macron a year ago.

PERSONAL BEST is an immersive cinematic journey into the heart of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and follows extraordinary athletes as they push their limits in the pursuit of glory. The film tracks athletes from Faith Kipyegon’s relentless strides on the track to Noah Lyles’ electrifying sprints, to Olga Kharlan’s fearless duels in fencing, Léon Marchand’s mastery in the swimming pool, and Cindy Ngamba’s unbreakable spirit from refugee to medallist in the boxing ring, along with badminton stars Huang Yaqiong and Zheng Siwei, and surfing maestro, Jack Robinson.

With exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Paris 2024 Games and spectacular visuals of Paris, PERSONAL BEST captures the raw emotions of competition – the quiet moments before battle, the intensity of the challenges, and the unfiltered highs and lows of victory and defeat. PERSONAL BEST is more than just a sports film, it is a celebration of the Olympic Spirit, human connection and the transformative power of sport.

Anant Singh commented, “PERSONAL BEST is our tribute to the phenomenal Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We were privileged to have had unfettered behind-the-scenes access to the Games which allowed us to capture the excitement of the athletes as they stepped onto the Olympic stage in their quest for glory. The entire French nation embraced the Games and this enhanced the spirit of Paris 2024, which we are thrilled to have captured. It is an honour that the World Premiere will be part of the programme of the French National Day of Sport.”

PERSONAL BEST will close the day on France Television Channel 4 at 10:30pm on Sunday, 14 September.

PERSONAL BEST is Executive Produced by Anant Singh in collaboration with Olympic Channel Services (Yiannis Exarchos and Kotas Karvelas); Co-directed by Ady Walter and Amal Doghmi, Edited by Amal Doghmi with Original Music by South African composer, Paul Hepker.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

19/06/2025

HEADS OF STATE CONGRATULATE ‘DON’T GIVE UP’

DON’T GIVE UP produced by Anant Singh, directed by Darrell James Roodt and starring Leleti Khumalo was announced as the winner of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s Golden Nymph Award in the ‘Best Creation’ category on Tuesday night.

The awards ceremony took place at a Blue Carpet gala in Monaco. Producer, Anant Singh and lead actress, Leleti Khumalo were in attendance to receive the award presented by television stars, Sarah Rafferty (Suits) and John Reardon (Hudson & Rex).

Following the awards ceremony, the Monaco Palace, issued a statement congratulating the filmmakers:

Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco warmly congratulate Anant Singh, Leleti Khumalo, and the entire team behind Don’t Give Up on receiving the Golden Nymph Award. The Monte-Carlo Television Festival remains a celebration of stories that touch hearts and inspire. We are honoured to recognize a film that gives voice to those so often unheard.

Their Serene Highnesses were also in attendance at the Golden Nymph Awards Ceremony.

President Ramaphosa met Leleti Khumalo on her arrival in South Africa this morning. The President congratulated her and the team behind the film on their achievement.

18/06/2025

LELETI KHUMALO, ANANT SINGH WIN AT MONTE-CARLO TELEVISION FESTIVAL

The Videovision Entertainment film, DON’T GIVE UP directed by Darrell James Roodt, won the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s coveted Golden Nymph Award in the ‘Best Creation’ category. The awards ceremony took place at a glittering Blue Carpet event at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco last night. Producer, Anant Singh and lead actress, Leleti Khumalo were in attendance to receive the award. The award was presented by television stars, Sarah Rafferty (Suits) and John Reardon (Hudson & Rex).

In its 64th edition this year, the Monte-Carlo Television festival has become one of the most prestigious international television festivals in the world, showcasing quality content from around the world including digital platforms. The Festival is considered to be the television equivalent of the Oscars in Europe.

On accepting the award, Leleti Khumalo said, “Thank you to the 64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival. I’d like to thank the Videovision team and the director Darrell Roodt who came up with this amazing project. And I thank Anant for always believing in me and for always having faith in me. To the Prince and Princess, thank you for having us here in Monte Carlo, and I’d also like to thank my family for always supporting the work I do. Thank you so much, this is humbling”.

On accepting the award, Anant Singh said, “This is a very pleasant surprise, especially being in competition with other great films. This is a film about homeless people who have no voice and has no dialogue. It is essentially a homage to the silent movie and it represents homeless people all around the world, and the music of Philip Glass and Peter Gabriel give it that special magic. We are delighted to have this little South African film about homeless people win this special prize. I’d like to acknowledge the creation of these awards by Prince Ranier and Princess Grace, acknowledge your Highness Prince Albert for continuing to celebrate the creative communities which is so important. It’s my third year here at the Festival and I am delighted to take home this Golden Nymph with Leleti”.

DON’T GIVE UP is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Distant Horizon with Executive Producer Sanjeev Singh, Producer Anant Singh and is Written and Directed by Darrell James Roodt.

18/06/2025

VIDEOVISION’S “DON’T GIVE UP” NOMINATED
BY MONTE-CARLO FESTIVAL

DON’T GIVE UP produced by Anant Singh, starring Leleti Khumalo and directed by Darrell James Roodt has been selected by the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in the Fiction Category of the Official Selection and has been nominated for the Festival’s Golden Nymph Awards. DON’T GIVE UP reunites the formidable team that made the Academy® and Emmy® nominated film, ‘Yesterday’.

The Festival takes place from 13-17 June 2025 and will feature content from 12 countries which have been selected to compete across the News & Documentaries and Fiction categories. The winners of the Golden Nymph Awards will be announced at a glamourous Blue Carpet Ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum on the closing night on Tuesday, 17 June.

Anant Singh said, “We are thrilled that DON’T GIVE UP is selected by the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. This is an exceptional honour as the Festival is among the most prestigious in the world. DON’T GIVE UP is a unique film that was 15 years in the making and used the technique of classic silent films with no dialogue. The film confronts the serious social issues of poverty and homelessness that affects people around the world, whose challenges and tribulations are never heard.”

Last year the Monte-Carlo Television Festival featured Singh’s film, PIERRE DE COUBERTIN: AN OLYMPIC LIFE based on the life of Baron Pierre de Coubertin who is widely acknowledged as the Founder of the Modern Olympics. The screening was attended by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco who is also the patron of the Festival.

DON’T GIVE UP is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with Distant Horizon starring Leleti Khumalo, Thobani Khubeka and Sibonelo Xulu, with Music Composer, the acclaimed Philip Glass, Editor Avril Beukes, Director of Photography Michael Brierley, Executive Producer Sanjeev Singh, Producer Anant Singh and is Written and Directed by Darrell James Roodt. The film also features Peter Gabriel’s hit song ‘Don’t Give Up’ performed by Gabriel, featuring Kate Bush.

23/01/2025

Our CEO, Anant Singh has been appointed to the World Economic Forum's Global Arts and Culture Council

Co-founders of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mrs Hilde Schwab and Professor Klaus Schwab established the Global Arts and Culture Council and launched the Council yesterday at its inaugural meeting at the Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos, Switzerland.

Anant Singh was appointed to the Council along with luminaries including Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Academy award winning film director and advocate for gender inequality against women); George Osbourne (Chair of the British Museum); Renee Fleming (World-renowned Soprano and Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health for the World Health Organization); Hany Ulrich Obrist (Artistic Director of the Serpentine Gallery); Andrea Bocelli (World-renowned Tenor); Deborah Rutter (President of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts); Nile Rodgers (Musician, Producer and Founder of the We Are Family Foundation; Jin Xing (Dancer - Actress and Transgender Activist); Yana Peel (Global Head of Arts & Culture – Chanel) and Misty Copeland (Dancer, Author, Producer).

The Global Arts and Culture Council (GACC) was established in the context of the shifting world from an industrial era to a more intelligent and interconnected society, where the arts and culture sector is uniquely positioned to lead the way toward a unified and prosperous future. In this moment of transformation, the GACC was launched with a distinguished group of visionary cultural leaders committed to harnessing creativity to shape the new age.

Singh commented, “Artists and the creative community around the world are the voice of the people and the custodians of humanity’s storytelling. The Global Arts and Culture Council is vitally important in a fractious world where the voice and expressions of artists need to be heard in order to contribute to the dialogues of the journeys of millions of people. It was also a pleasure to attend the first plenary session of President Ramaphosa where he addressed the delegates in advance of the G20 Summit in South Africa in November. The G20 Summit presents an exceptional opportunity for us to showcase our remarkable country and its people to the world.”

Singh is pictured here with singer-songwriter, Angelique Kidjo at the inaugural Global Arts and Culture Council Meeting.

Today, 23 January, Singh will participate in a panel entitled, “An Artist’s Path Out of Injustice”. Singh is known for using the medium of film to speak out against the injustices of apartheid as well as significant social issues like HIV/AIDS and Gender Based Violence.

This year marks Singh’s 25th consecutive attendance of the Annual Meeting since receiving the WEF’s Crystal Award in 2001.

04/11/2024

Our CEO, Anant Singh reflects on his friendship with Quincy Jones who passed on earlier today:

We have lost a giant, a friend and an exceptional human being. I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Quincy Jones, a mentor and a dear friend of mine and South Africa for over 40 years.

I first met Quincy in the mind 1980’s when I was making PLACE OF WEEPING, my first anti-apartheid film and we communicated extensively, while his love for South Africa and its music began when he worked with Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu on the music of the epic series, ROOTS. He was always available for advice, time and connections as I progressed in my film career. Over the years we developed a close bond of friendship which extended to my family.

He was my guiding light as I embarked upon the production of SARAFINA! and also helped in my relationships with Whoopi Goldberg, who he brought to the big screen, with the COLOUR PURPLE. When I acquired the rights to make the film adaptation of SARAFINA! from Mbongeni Ngema, he kindly introduced us to his network of people, particularly creatives, which helped us produce a world-class film in South Africa. This led to a distribution partnership with Warner Bros, where he had his production home. His support extended to many other films, including CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY and MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.

We regularly attended the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos and in January 2000, he was bestowed with the Forum’s Crystal Award, and I was humbled when I was honoured with the same award was a year later. It was a huge privilege for me when he graciously wrote the foreword to my memoirs in 2021.

We shared many wonderful times and memories together around the world – London, Beijing, New York and Los Angeles. During his visits to South Africa, we always hosted a get-together to meet with old friends among whom were the late Hugh Masekela as well as Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu. His love and friendship for Madiba and Graca, Kathy and Barbara and so many other South Africans, are well known. He wrote the song “Madiba” for his 80th birthday and the original music sheet and lyrics hang at Sanctuary Mandela in Johannesburg.

His passing leaves a huge void in our lives, and we will miss him dearly. His creative genius, commitment and contribution to the entertainment industry is unparalleled. His humility, integrity and moral values were his strength, especially in the complex and egotistical world in which he succeeded. He was a pioneer in breaking new ground, trail blazing through every aspect of the industry where people of colour had never had the opportunity.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Quincy’s family and friends and send them strength and fortitude during these difficult days as they come to terms with their loss.


Anant Singh
Durban, South Africa
4 November 2024