Joy over ‘Tsotsi’ in South Africa

South Africans popped champagne corks and cheered their first Oscar win for the film “Tsotsi” on Monday, hoping the Hollywood accolade would spur a revival in local movie-making.

Supporters watching the ceremony live on TV before dawn erupted into cheers as “Tsotsi” scooped the award for best foreign-language film.

“There is absolute euphoria. It’s a huge confidence boost for South Africa, and people are finally feeling we can compete with the world’s best,” said Jackie Motsepe, senior marketing manager at the National Film and Video Foundation in Johannesburg.

“This sends out a clear message to the world that the South African film industry has come of age,” said Anant Singh, co-producer of “Yesterday,” which was nominated in the same category last year but lost.