Sony Pictures Classics has revealed the release date and official trailer for Embeth Davidtz’s South African drama film Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight.

The film starring Davidtz (Schindler’s List, Matilda) alongside a cast of up and comers including Lexi Venter, Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, Rob Van Vuuren and Anina Hope Reed, is based on Alexandra Fuller’s 2001 memoir about the experiences of her White Zimbabwean family following the Rhodesian Bush War.

Directed by Embeth Davidtz, in her feature directorial debut, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight made its world debut at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival followed by additional premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival and Zurich Film Festival, and is set for release on July 11, 2025 in Los Angeles and New York, before expanding in the following weeks

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight captures the childhood of 8-year-old Bobo on her family farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) at the end of the Zimbabwean War for independence in 1980.  Growing up in the midst of this long running war, Bobo internalizes both sides of the struggle. Conflicted by her love for people on opposing sides, she tries to make sense of her life in a magical way. Through her eight-year-old gaze we witness Rhodesia’s final days, the family’s unbreakable bond with Africa, and the deep scars that war leaves on survivors.

Watch the official trailer for Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight.

The film was produced by Helena Spring, Paul Buys and Davidtz and executive produced by Anele Mdoda.