Elysian films
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Established in 1993 by Anthony Fabian, Elysian Films is a UK-based producer of feature films and cinema shorts, as well as arts and classical music programmes. Its most recent production, the international feature film, Skin, is one of the most bizarre and fascinating true stories to emerge from South Africa: Sandra Laing was a coloured child born in the 1950s to two white Afrikaners, unaware of their black ancestry. The film follows Sandra’s thirty-year journey from rejection to acceptance, betrayal to reconciliation, as she struggles to define her place in a changing world — and triumphs against all odds. Shot in and around Johannesburg at the end of 2007, the film stars Sophie Okonedo as Sandra Laing, Sam Neill as her father Abraham and Alice Krige as her mother Sannie.
Awards for Skin
Writer-director Anthony Fabian’s heartfelt attentions... keep the picture on the right emotional track

A stirring allegory... Sophie Okonedo shines

— Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter

One of the more bizarre illustrations of racial injustice under apartheid is dramatized in Skin.

Acted with conviction by Sophie Okonedo as well as Sam Neill and Alice Krige as the well-intentioned but often misguided parents.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety

Skin is a moving film which illustrates the impact of apartheid on a single family

A proven tearjerker... Skin could also end up winning awards kudos for Okonedo.

Skin follows Laing’s story with an admirable restraint, never sliding into the melodrama

— Mike Goodridge, Screen International

“A remarkably accomplished first feature from director Anthony Fabian”

— Susan Walker, Toronto Star

SKIN ****

A powerful movie. See it — but go prepared.

— Steve Veale, Metro Toronto

“An involving tale presented with polished straightforwardness”

— Dennis Harvey, Variety

“Another superb Sophie Okonedo performance”

— Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter

A harrowing central performance from Sophie Okonedo... her anguish lingers long after the end credits roll.

— Mike Goodridge, Screen International

“A remarkably accomplished first feature from director Anthony Fabian”

— Susan Walker, Toronto Star

A powerful movie. See it.

— Steve Veale Metro Toronto