The Power of Afrikaans Films

Landmine and Silas and the Polar Bear on Table Mountain are two films I have to talk about, because both are in cinemas this month, and I really want people to go see them. Last year we had wonderful Afrikaans films in cinemas, such as The Quicksilvers and My F*k Marelize. I enjoyed both of them, but they were mostly comedies.

There were a bunch of excellent feature films and short films at the Silwerskermfees this year, and I could write about them all day. The short films were especially well made and made me realise again how powerful this medium is, especially when the stories are told in Afrikaans.

As much as I want to talk about the short films, I have to talk about the feature films. If we could make Spider-Man: Brand New Day successful, there is no reason why these Afrikaans films cannot also be successful. Last year My F*k Marelize also broke a few records. By supporting these films, we ensure that we continue to get Afrikaans stories that we can all identify with.

Both films may be in Afrikaans, but I strongly believe that both have universal themes. The two films are worlds apart from each other, but at the same time the characters feel real and recognisable. Landmine has more mature themes, but most of them stem from childhood trauma. Silas and the Polar Bear on Table Mountain is a children’s film that addresses heavy subjects such as grief and loss.

Manipulative mother

I want to focus mainly on Landmine this week, since it is currently showing in cinemas, but it seems to me as if most people did not even know about the film. If I had to summarise the storyline, I would say it is about a family who are on holiday in Cape Town, whose holiday is turned upside down when their destructive and emotionally manipulative mother arrives.

The film feels like both a drama and a thriller, because there is no way to know what the mother will do or say next. What starts as a small family reunion quickly turns into chaos. I don’t want to reveal too much, because it is better to watch the story unfold yourself.

If you watched the series The Bear, this film feels very much like the “Fishes” episode from Season 2. I think it is the best comparison, because although the characters are strongly dramatised, they still feel real. I think many of us have had to deal with similar family members.

It is a film that makes you angry one moment, and the next moment makes you empathise with the characters’ sadness. It also has a lot of funny moments that remind us that all families have their ups and downs. The thing I like most about this film is the writing. The story flows effortlessly, and the dialogue feels authentic.

You can put yourself in the characters’ shoes from the beginning. Landmine is an excellent film, although it is not always easy to watch. That just means that this film has something to say, and I hope the audience listens. It is currently showing in selected cinemas. Next week I will talk more about Silas and the Polar Bear on Table Mountain.