Treurgrond: A film for all South Africans

The film, that is directed by Academy Awards nominated director Darrell Roodt, boasts a stellar cast, which includes Steve Hofmeyr and Jana Strydom in the leading roles.

“It is important that South Africans understand that the film is not used as a political tool in any way,” said Roodt in an interview with the Advertiser.

“This is not a documentary, but a story about how an entire community is affected by this social issue.”

South Africans can look forward to a well-crafted script, filled with suspense and a gripping storyline from start to finish.

The Advertiser posed the following questions to Roodt:

Q: What challenges have you faced during the filming of Treurgrond?

A: The subject matter of the story was the most challenging aspect of making this movie. Getting the balance right, not wanting to make it sound like propaganda, but rather a complex picture of the whole background and context regarding the nature of farm murders. This, I think, was accomplished in the modulation of the performances. Take, for example, Erica Wessel’s character, Nellie. She’s not just the sweet farm wife, but much more complex. As loving and concerned as she might be, there’s a rash of ugly, latent racism just beneath the surface. In other words, it makes her highly believable. I tried to do that with all the characters.

Q: What did you enjoy the most while working on this film?

It was a pleasure to go to work every day, because here was a ‘rare’ opportunity to explore an issue that is very close to home for us, as South Africans. You could feel the electricity of doing something worthwhile on the set. And just to watch Steve Hofmeyr act, that’s a rush!

Q: How did you decide on the cast?

All the actors were hand-picked, so to speak! And every single one brought their acting personas and more. I was amazed at the consistent and high level of commitment. I mean, just watch Graham Kriega challenge Steve Hofmeyr on screen – electrifying! And Jana Strydom as the tough cop, channeling her inner Clint Eastwood, wow!

Q: How does this film, if in any way, differ from the other films you’ve worked on?

These kind of films are my favorite – films about relevant issues. I’ve made a lot of them, like Yesterday and Cry the beloved country, but this one’s right up there! Of course I love car chase movies and romantic comedies, but, in South Africa, it’s increasingly rare to find films like Treurgrond to make. Everyone’s scared – of what? The more films made like this, the better we might understand each other and live to enjoy that wonderful vision of Nelson Mandela!

Q: How would you describe your experience during the filming of Treurgrond?

It was a privilege to be out there, on a working farm, truly understanding the dark nature of the subject matter. I think it’s seeped into the film and made it more truthful.

Q: What lesson is there to learn from this film?

Hopefully, it makes you sit up and pay attention! Being attacked in your living space is a very real issue for all South Africans.

Q: Will Treurgrond appeal to English-speaking people?

It’s a film for all South Africans, black or white, English or Afrikaans, Zulu or Xhosa. It’s not propaganda made for an isolated voice. It’s a collective shout for action!

Q: Why should the public watch this film?

To better understand one another. There’s very little cultural interaction and we deliberately made this film in a way that is not one-sided, but illuminates a real problem in our country.

Q: What can viewers look forward to?

It’s a compelling human drama with outstanding performances.

See trailer here: