Nakhane Mahlakahlaka (formerly Touré) is still on a high after Inxeba's (The Wound's) selection as South Africa's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

The film was announced on Sunday as the official delegate from SA for a possible nomination.

Speaking to Sowetan from London, Mahlakahlaka said the selection of the Xhosa film, which is about initiation, was the biggest achievement.

"After all the hard work that everyone did, it's great to be validated like this."

"I've always thought it was a very important film and it was telling a story that needs to be told - whether some people liked that or not."

Mahlakahlaka, who is also a musician, said he was baffled by how others criticised the film even before seeing it. He received death threats for his role.

Inxeba is set to open in local cinemas in February.

Mahlakahlaka also revealed that he had few gigs lined up in London and France. He is set to perform at the Film Africa Festival in London and at the Les Rencontres Trans Musicales Festival in France.

The film is set to open at the 61st BFI London Film Festival that starts tomorrow and ends on October 15.