Born in South Africa in 1950, this remarkable individual was the daughter of renowned white anti-apartheid activists Joe Slovo and Ruth First. Following the family's relocation to the United Kingdom in 1964, they sought refuge from the tumultuous political climate of their native country.
As a young adult, she found herself in the midst of the bustling film industry, serving as the personal assistant to none other than the iconic Robert De Niro during the production of his films 'Raging Bull' and 'The King of Comedy' in the late 1970s.
Her first foray into screenwriting culminated in the creation of her debut screenplay and film, 'A World Apart,' masterfully directed by Chris Menges. This remarkable work garnered widespread critical acclaim, taking home the Jury Prize, the Ecumenical Award, and the Best Actress Award at the prestigious 1987 Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, it received the 1988 BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Today, she resides in northern London, surrounded by the vibrant cultural landscape that has inspired her work. Her sister, Robyn Slovo, is a successful film producer, while her sister, Gillian Slovo, is a celebrated novelist, further solidifying the family's impressive presence in the world of arts and entertainment.
