Breathe

SA Stars Shine Bright in Hollywood Feature.

What would you do if your husband’s life suddenly changed irrevocably and he is about to give up hope? You take over and give him strength to go on by loving him unconditionally, just like Diana Cavendish did in this inspiring true story that is coming to life on the big screen soon.

Breath is actor Andy Serkis’s’s  directorial debut and he worked very closely with scriptwriter, William Nicholson to tell this story of his best friend and producer, Johnathan Cavendish’s parents with the sensitivity and empathy that it deserved.

Adventurous and charismatic, Robin Cavendish, played by Andrew Garfield, has his whole life ahead of him when he is paralysed by polio whilst in Africa at the age of twenty-eight. Against all advice, Robin’s wife Diana, brings him home from hospital where her devotion and witty determination transcends his disability. Together they refuse to be imprisoned by his suffering; dazzling others with their humour, courage and lust for life. They also use their own story to inspire other people who are going through similar circumstances. Clever technology makes it possible for Robin to ‘get out of bed’ and experience new adventures and enables him to become an advocate for disabled people across the world.

South African actors, Andre Jacobs and Terry Norton features in this movie, which was filmed in the Kwazulu Natal Sugarcane Estates here in South Africa.  Jacobs, who plays Evelyn Baring, the Governor of Kenya, stars in a scene opposite Clare Foy, who  he describes as a remarkable actress.  Jacobs, who were previously seen in many international features, still regard this level of productions, as a realization that he is on the right level and happy to be able to deliver.

Terry Norton, plays the wife of Jacobs’ character.  She praises Serkis, by saying that his style of directing lets the lead actors play, improve, and create their own incredible language.

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017 and was also screened at the Opening Night Gala at the BFI London Film Festival. It has already been nominated for an Archie Award for Best First Feature at the Philadelphia Film Festival and Best Makeup and Hair Design and Sound at the Independent British Film Awards. During the Heartland Film Festival, it won the Truly Moving Picture Award.

Breathe is a heart-warming and highly emotional celebration of bravery and human possibility, a love story about living every breath as though it’s your last. It will appeal to audiences of all ages, but especially if you enjoyed The Theory of Everything, Lion, The Imitation Game and Brooklyn.

This inspirational movie is distributed by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment, and promoted in South Africa by Starburst Promotions.  Breathe will be released in cinemas on 19 January 2018.