6 of the best Afrikaans movies from the Silwerskermfees
If you’ve got two hours to spare and an appreciation for highly rated, critically acclaimed Afrikaans movies, stream our top 6 short films from this year’s Silwerskermfees, all now streaming on Showmax.
Lakens is a dark horse in every sense. Dealing with a woman’s defining regret, the psychological horror mystery drama shrouds her as she tries to overcome unresolved emotions. Dark, harrowing and beautifully constructed, the short film is reminiscent of A Ghost Story. Led by a solid performance and conjuring elegant, powerful and poetic horror imagery, it does much in a short space of time.
Hinting at story elements, the distressing truth is made known through flashbacks. Christian Grobbelaar has concocted an artful and epic short film, keeping good pacing and great suspense as Lika tries to reach out to her loved one through the spirit world. The subject matter is challenging and nightmarish even, but handled with great restraint and understanding.
This touching multi-generational social drama is about the women of a small community with a special focus on Mathilda and her daughter as they prepare for a funeral. Exploring their culture through food, language and dress, it’s an immersive experience as we’re drawn into their humble and happy world.
Die Begrafnis could have tended to melodrama, but remains stoic, building to a beautifully touching conclusion. Colourful wardrobe choices, dry and dusty conditions, fluid cinematography… Die Begrafnis is a window into a lively and soulful place brought home by salt-of-the-earth performances.
This taut, timely and prickly drama journeys with Kiara, a woman trying to avoid all human contact. The short film plays up the uncomfortable social situation of queuing at Home Affairs, where you’re constantly aware of your own personal boundaries. As her dark secret becomes known through a series of flashbacks, we come to realise she’s only just coping.
Cleverly heightening tension through under-the-skin irritation in an inconsiderate environment, Kiara endures an unwanted conversation that tests her limits. Contrasting her present with a life-altering incident, the filmmakers reflect her fragile state, powering home with some surprise twists.
Rooilug is a personal story that explores the childhood of a man who grew up with an alcoholic father. Struggling to pay the bills and spiralling out of control, their abusive father’s impact aches as the harsh treatment, lack of love and humiliation of a dire financial situation set in.
Brave and challenging performances underwrite this bleak yet powerful drama. Embodying its metaphorical title, it’s a stylish, honest and poetic social drama with faint echoes of Once Were Warriors.
This magical, nostalgic and sentimental comedy-drama focuses on a soul-searching bus ride for a miserable financial advisor. Unexpectedly forced to re-examine his life, he tries to see what he could have done better the second time around.
Solid co-lead performances, good chemistry and a smart concept keep this heartfelt movie on the go. Dealing with life, regrets and future hopes and dreams, it’s spirited, thoughtful and off-handedly charming. Coarse language prevents it from becoming sappy, yet it takes pleasure in tiptoeing the fine line between heartwarming and schmaltzy in a similar sway to About Time and It’s A Wonderful Life.
Gebles manages to poke fun at the debilitating effect balding can have on some men. Told through the misadventures of a 20-something guy who is nothing without his trusty beanie, we get an amusing, earnest and entertaining coming-of-age comedy romance drama.
He’s afflicted – struggling to maintain relationships, feeling the impact on his self-esteem and too proud to expose his big secret. Centring on a party with some amusing distractions, this funny short film is spurred by a strong and likeable lead in Stiaan Smith. While a little self-obsessed, he’s charming enough to win us over.