Son Weekliks · Print archive · 17 August 2023
“Sy gee lewe aan woorde”
A newspaper profile on the filmmaker who brings words to life, featuring moments from her work on set.
Personal press archiveInternational coverage · Profiles · Long-form conversations
The work,
in conversation.
Independent coverage and thoughtful conversations about filmmaking, leadership, community, mentorship and the natural world.
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01 / International screen & recognition
A South African story
in a global field.
From international trade features to coverage of the Academy Awards submission, these pieces chart the film’s journey beyond South Africa.
Old Righteous Blues hits the right notes
Variety examines the film’s music, family, reconciliation and culturally specific world while introducing its trailer to an international audience.
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Deadline · 10 October 2024
South Africa selects Old Righteous Blues
Major international trade reporting on the film’s selection as South Africa’s official submission for Best International Feature Film.
Read ↗ The Hollywood Reporter · 2024South Africa’s official submission
International coverage placing Muneera and the film within the 97th Academy Awards field.
Read ↗ The Contending · 5 December 2024A compelling work among 81 submissions
Critic Frank J. Avella calls the film compelling and says its sustained dramatic tension “really hooked” him.
Read ↗ OkayAfrica · 22 November 2024Nine African films in the Academy race
Continental coverage situating the film within a wider field of African cinematic voices.
Read ↗ Blackfilm.com · United StatesA South African contender for the Oscars
Specialist US film coverage of the music-driven story, ensemble and international journey.
Read ↗ Brand South Africa · 20 November 2024Sharing a South African story with the world
Institutional recognition of the film’s international platform and the value of locally rooted storytelling.
Read ↗02 / Craft, profile & industry leadership
The decisions
behind the frame.
Coverage that reveals how Muneera works: performance, community participation, production problem-solving, professional standards and responsibility to emerging talent.
Panavision · Directorial approach & BTS
Camera choices that carry the emotion
Muneera discusses working with cinematographer William Collinson to connect visual style, camera movement and the characters’ emotional journey. Behind-the-scenes photography credited to Amy-Marie Pienaar.
Read the craft feature ↗ Silwerskermfees · 4 August 2023Directing with a community
On authenticity, working with first-time performers, creating jobs, sharing skills and bringing the film to life.
Read ↗ Joburg Film Festival · Jury profileTwo decades of filmmaking and contribution
A professional profile connecting directing, executive experience, mentorship and trusted industry judgement.
Explore ↗ Africa Press Namibia · LeadershipOwn your professional space
Women filmmakers, professional boundaries, safer sets and the networks required for sustainable careers.
Read ↗ AFDA / Bizcommunity · 28 August 2025National recognition for Old Righteous Blues
Coverage of the Outstanding Film Fiction Award at South Africa’s National Arts and Culture Awards.
Read ↗ Daily Voice · 6 February 2020The performers behind Melody
A’eesha Petersen discusses her lead role and family’s musical heritage, with a comment from director Muneera Sallies on her casting.
Read ↗ Sunday Tribune · 23 August 2023Family influence, independence and persistence
A personal profile tracing the family influences, creative independence and persistence behind Muneera’s filmmaking journey.
Read the original ↗03 / Factual, nature & international development
Beyond scripted film.
Muneera’s factual work brings together curiosity, field craft and international collaboration, from wildlife stories to documentary development.
International factual storytelling
Curiosity begins with looking deeper.
Nature and factual work call on the same instincts as scripted filmmaking: preparation, attention, collaboration and respect for the world in front of the lens.
Muneera earned her Dive Master certification through NEWF, adding underwater filming to her practical creative range.
Business Wire · 31 March 2022
Kuishi na Simba: Living With Lions
International production coverage of the partnership between African filmmakers Erica Rugabandana and Muneera Sallies.
Read ↗ Variety · 23 June 2022Sunny Side of the Doc pitch award
Coverage of the project’s recognition in Sunny Side of the Doc’s Wildlife and Conservation pitch category.
Read ↗04 / In conversation
Listen for the person
behind the work.
Long-form conversations make room for voice, humour, process and the experiences that connect Muneera’s work.
01
Life Stories with Marc Hoberman · United States · Video interview
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02A filmmaker’s life, work and purpose
American interviewer Marc Hoberman speaks with Muneera about the experiences that shaped her, the path into filmmaking and the work behind Old Righteous Blues.
The Artist’s Voice · Petra Sittig · Vienna, Austria · 21 July 2025
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03Community, Choirs & Culture
In conversation with Petra Sittig on childhood creativity, the long journey of Old Righteous Blues, working with Robertson and the future of South African cinema.
Siraaj Says · Video interview
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04The person behind the filmmaker
A career conversation spanning producing, writing, directing and the Cape Town creative landscape.
On the Sofa with Esther Austin
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05Creative purpose across borders
A warm conversation about the filmmaking journey, intention and stories that travel.
eNCA · Television interview
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Taking a South African story to the world
Muneera Sallies and Simon Bruinders discuss the film’s Academy Awards campaign and its community-rooted story.
05 / Origins & earlier work
A career with a long memory.
The archive reaches beyond current recognition, showing the continuity between an early life inside storytelling, television craft and the filmmaker Muneera has become.
African Women in Cinema · 15 January 2021
Twisted Christmas
Women-in-cinema recognition for the Cape Town filmmaker’s locally rooted comedy about reconciliation and family unity.
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Film Fest Gent · World Cinema Documentaries · 2004
Through the Eyes of My Daughter
Zulfah Otto Sallies’ intimate documentary followed Muneera, then fifteen, for a year, exploring identity, freedom and the influence of a mother’s work on her daughter.
Explore the film archive ↗The conversation continues
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