SA's heart transplant hero Christiaan Barnard to get big screen treatment

Author of Dr Barnard’s biography James-Brent Styan has agreed a movie deal with Videovision chief Anant Singh (Supplied)

SA’s heart transplant hero Christiaan Barnard to get big screen treatment

A movie adaptation about the Barnard biography is in the works

SA's heart transplant hero Christiaan Barnard to get big screen treatment

Author of Dr Barnard’s biography James-Brent Styan has agreed a movie deal with Videovision chief Anant Singh (Supplied)

Christiaan Barnard, the South African surgeon who performed the world’s first heart transplant in 1967, is having his newly-released biography made into a film.

The film will be based on Heartbreaker: Christiaan Barnard and the First Heart Transplant. Written earlier this year by James-Brent Styan, it charts the doctor’s incredible rise in the medical field, and explores his celebrity status and love life. It really does open Barnard up in ways we’ve never seen before.

Christiaan Barnard biography to become a movie

Anant Singh is the head of Videovision Entertainment. The production company have acquired the rights to Barnard’s story, capping a wonderful end to the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary procedure.

Singh revealed his personal interest in the story, and praised Styan’s biography, labelling it ‘perfect’ for a cinematic journey:

“I have always been fascinated by the Chris Barnard story.  I was 11 at the time and vividly remember the media frenzy that weekend.  Also, it was a time when apartheid was at its peak and this provides an exceptional backdrop.”

“His life was filled with numerous dramatic twists and turns and make for a perfect cinematic journey. James crafted an excellent book to share with readers. This is a great basis for a film to be developed.”

Certainly, the story of Heartbreaker is in safe hands. Videoviion Entertainment are the production team behind global South Africa successes Sarafina! and Yesterday. In fact, Yesterday was the first film from this country to receive an Oscar nomination.

Who is Hamilton Naki?

It won’t just be a story about Barnard, however. His staff and medical colleagues will also be featured heavily. There will be particular focus on Hamilton Naki, who was very much involved in the transplant but saw his contribution marginalised in the era of apartheid.

The film goes into production at some point next year. It comes with Styan’s blessing, who said he is “honoured by the interest and excitement” Mr Singh has shown in the story. If the film is as good as the book, we’re in for another pulsating journey.

 

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