by Thinus Ferreira
South Africa's film and TV industry is paying tribute to Barry Ronge who has died at 74, with the legendary local film critic lauded for the indelible role he had played over decades to grow film appreciation culture in the country and for making intelligent film reviews, movie analysis and interesting interviews accessible to the broader public.
M-Net (DStv 101) - where Barry Ronge appeared as a presenter and film critic in shows over decades from Front Row, Revue Plus and Cinemagic with Barry Ronge - told TVwithThinus on Sunday that Barry Ronge leaves an immeasurable contribution to cinema appreciation culture in South Africa.
"M-Net is saddened by the passing of Barry Ronge, a larger-than-life film critic and writer whose contribution to cinema appreciation culture in South Africa is immeasurable."
"He not only appealed to cinephiles, but he also created film lovers with his intelligent, yet accessible written and spoken critique on movies. His broad appeal helped create a culture of movie analysis that will live on."
"His mark on both the entertainment and journalism industries is indelible. At M-Net, he changed the game with shows such as Front Row and Cinemagic with Barry Ronge. His passing is a huge loss to the industry."
SABC3 - where Barry Ronge as a film critic fronted the movie magazine show Screenplay after he had also worked on the SABC's former TV1 magazine show Prime Time and others like SABC2's Artcha - says the "true cinephile" invited people in to the joy of cinema".
"It was such a privilege to have Barry Ronge on SABC3," channel head Pat van Heerden told TVwithThinus on Sunday.
"He was
a true cinephile and his way of speaking about the movies he loved, invited
people in to the joy of cinema. He supported local filmmakers, as well as
sharing his knowledge about the international movie world. His supportive and
critical role in the industry will be sorely missed."
Ster-Kinekor said "Rest in peace to South Africa's best-known film critic, Barry Ronge. You will always be remembered for your iconic movie reviews and brilliant journalism."
Nu Metro told TVwithThinus that Barry Ronge was responsible for the development of a well-informed cinemagoing culture in South Africa.
"Last night went quiet with sadness when Nu Metro
received the news of Barry Ronge's passing from a week ago, but we also
celebrated his legacy and all the amazing memories he's left us with."
"The contribution and impact that Barry has had on the
local cinema and movie industry is immeasurable. South Africa has lost an icon; a legend
of this business we love to call showbiz."
"We will fondly remember his presence at many previews,
premieres, and other movie screenings held in Nu Metro cinemas over the past
few decades. Barry was a true gentleman, a kind soul, who never faltered on his
professional support, insight, and consistent passion for the Big Screen cinema
experience, from arthouse gems to mainstream blockbusters."
"Through his award-winning work published in some of
South Africa's key print media, and broadcast through prime TV and radio stations, Barry
Ronge was one of the leading figures responsible for the development of a
well-informed cinemagoing culture in South Africa, on par with the rest of the
world."
"His weekly Screenplay TV show is regarded as one of the best movie
magazine shows ever produced locally. He inspired and helped to shape the
careers of many in our industry."
"Barry Ronge wrote the textbook on film critique,
illustrating his great and very well-researched knowledge and skill. He
captivated the public and epitomised the magic of the movies with integrity," Nu Metro said.
"Nu Metro Cinemas would like to extend its sincerest
condolences to his life partner, Albertus van Dyk, family, friends, and
industry colleagues during this challenging time."
South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said Barry Ronge fulfilled an incredibly critical role as a respected film critic and writer.
"The
NFVF is sad to hear of the passing of the iconic figure of the arts, Barry
Ronge," NFVF CEO Makhosazana Khanyile, told TVwithThinus.
"In his illustrious career Barry Ronge fulfilled an incredibly critical role
of being a respected film critic to amazing acclaim. To the community whose
Sundays were made up of looking forward to the Sunday Times magazine and in
particular, Barry Ronge's column, an important part of our history has passed on
and the NFVF extends its most heartfelt condolences to the Ronge family."
The veteran filmmaker Anant Singh said he first met Barry Ronge in the 1980s when he reviewed films that Singh distributed in South Africa.
"When I ventured into film production, Barry understood the
struggles I endured in those early days and supported my endeavours. Whilst not
all of his reviews over the years were favourable, he was always honest in his
critique."
"For me, I appreciated the fact that even if he didn't like a film, he
would write his reviews in a manner that was inoffensive."
"Barry
attended the South African premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom which took
place shortly before he retired in 2014. I was touched when he called to
congratulate me on how the film turned out. He was particularly complimentary about the authenticity of the film,
including the sets we built on the backlot of Cape Town Film Studios."
"Barry
was a passionate lover of films, in any language, from all over the world and
believed in the power of film. There
are many talented film critics in South Africa, but Barry Ronge was in a class of his
own. He is no doubt a legend and he set the bar for film critics in the
country."
"I
send Barry's life partner, Albertus van Dyk and Barry's family and friends my
heartfelt condolences and wish them strength as they come to terms with their
loss."
