Jock of the Bushveld returns: AI brings a South African classic back to life

About this episode

The episode discusses the restoration of the classic South African film 'Jock of the Bushveld' using AI technology, featuring an interview with producer Duncan MacNeillie.

Jock of the Bushveld, the classic story of how the runt of the litter became the trusted, gutsy companion of Sir Percy FitzPatrick during South Africa’s goldmining era, is one of the country’s most enduring stories. The book once outsold the Bible locally and was adapted into a feature film by producer Duncan MacNeillie, released in 1986. Now, a new generation will be able to see the film, which is being upscaled in 4K with the help of AI. In an interview with BizNews, MacNeillie said his original master copy of the film was destroyed and that, for years, he tried unsuccessfully to upgrade the film, which enjoyed one of the longest theatrical runs in SterKinekor’s history. Financially, the theme song, Spirit of the Great Heart, became Johnny Clegg’s most successful song. With recent advances in AI, MacNeillie is now able to restore and rerelease the film for a new generation. While Disney showed interest at the time, the film was blocked internationally because of apartheid. This beloved story will now be available first to South African audiences and then worldwide. – Linda van Tilburg

People in this episode

Host: Linda van Tilburg

Guest: Duncan MacNeillie

Topics covered

• film restoration
• AI technology
• South African cinema
• cultural heritage
• Jock of the Bushveld

Keywords

• Jock of the Bushveld
• Duncan MacNeillie
• AI film restoration
• South African cinema
• Johnny Clegg
• Spirit of the Great Heart
• 4K upgrade

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SterKinekor

Books & works: Jock of the Bushveld

Places: South Africa, apartheid

More episodes of BizNews Radio

• Ryan Passmore - The "Missing Middle" · May 8, 2026 · 15 min
• BN Daybreak - Fri 8 May 2026: US intercepts Iranian missiles; Tariff ruling; Rogue polls; and Joburg’s debt crisis · May 8, 2026 · 15 min
• “Rogue” polling, by-election shocks, murder - and “big name” mayoral candidates… — Electoral Roadshow with Wayne Sussman · May 7, 2026 · 27 min
• BN Daybreak - Thu 7 May 2026: US-Iran peace progress; SA ports miss refuel gain; Firearm reform fears · May 7, 2026 · 15 min
• Nikkie Pretorius - Proposed new firearms training system could turn law-abiding citizens into criminals… · May 6, 2026 · 12 min
• BN Daybreak - Wed 6 May 2026: Trump pauses Hormuz mission; Oil prices retreat; AI Scam defiance; SA fuel hikes · May 6, 2026 · 14 min