IN PICS | Embeth's directorial debut pulls in the stars

It has been heralded as Embeth Davidtz’ “bold directorial debut” (to quote Vanity Fair), but Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight is more than that.

The film, set on a farm in then Rhodesia at the end of the Bush War, has been an almost decade-long passion project for the South African-American actress, who is best known for her roles in Schindler’s List, Matilda and The Amazing Spider-Man, and small screen forays in Mad Men, Ray Donovan and The Morning Show. Not only did she guide the film, she also wrote the screenplay and plays one of its leading roles.

Why this story, I asked the formidable actress on the red carpet in Fourways on Thursday night, at the Joburg premiere of the film, which is based on the memoir by Alexandra Fuller.

“The book was an amazing story from Zimbabwe [which] echoed so much of my childhood growing up. It’s the only story I could have told. I hope people will get a sense of our history and what brought us to where we are today, in a parallel way to Zimbabwe,” said the actress.

The film is told through the eyes of eight-year-old Bobo (hypnotically played by young Lexi Venter, discovered after Embeth had put out a request on Facebook), who — through childlike candour — exposes the bigotry of those tumultuous times.

Often, South African actors and actresses who move to Hollywood adopt an American twang somewhere between boarding the plane and landing in Los Angeles. What strikes me about Embeth is that after more than three decades of living and working in the US, she still has the familiar accent of home.

With the invitation stipulating “black tie”, it was fascinating to see how the stars who showed up interpreted the dress code.

Embeth exuded classic Hollywood glam in a dove-grey gown with statement cap sleeves designed by an LA designer. Taking a fashion-forward route in ruched black leather was Anele Mdoda, who — along with Frankie du Toit and Trevor Noah — are executive producers of the film.

Zikhona Bali, who shares the lead with Lexi and Embeth, opted for a canary-yellow gown, while “it girls” Kuhle Adams and Lalela Mswane finished off their bodycon gowns with faux fur stoles.

Opting for monochrome were Rami Chuene (recently appointed to the Robben Island Museum board), Zozibini Bolowana (née Tunzi) and crooner Langa Mavuso.

One of the first to make a grand entrance was actress and producer Tarina Patel, who these days is a familiar sight at the illustrious Cannes Film Festival. Though I was surprised Tarina wasn’t on the arm of hubby Iqbal Sharma, the headline-attracting businessman.

“He’s in the Congo,” explained Tarina.

“What’s he doing there?” I wonder.

“He better be making money,” came the lightning-fast reply from the doe-eyed actress and producer.

Meanwhile, making a welcome return to the Joburg scene was Denise Zimba, in a sexy figure-hugging gown by Sassy Chic.

“I am here now, getting myself back in the game and I am here to support Anele, who is one of my favourite favourites in the industry, and I am happy to be invited to see this amazing movie,” said the actress and media personality.

Back to the movie, and when attendees head into the cinema, we are welcomed by Anele, who invites Embeth onto the stage.

“Can I take you everywhere I go? I have never had an introduction like that in my life before,” says the Hollywood star, whose family — including husband Jason Sloane, their children, her brother and her parents — were in the audience to hear the glowing introduction.

“When I moved to the US almost 35 years ago and started working there, I longed for South Africa. I knew I wanted to make something here, but I knew I needed to wait for the right project. And South Africa — you guys — I am in awe of your talent,” says the actress, recognising all local cast and crew.

Back to the movie, and methinks this could make an interesting addition to President Trump’s next movie night, though like a few of the local celebs on the night — and at least one of the movie’s online reviewers — I found its title a bit of a mouthful.