Forgiveness

  • 112'
  • South Africa
  • 2004
Forgiveness is the first South African film about the politics of reconciliation since the end of apartheid. A film with an historical value that has won major prizes at the film festivals in Cape Town and Durban. Forgiveness is also the second film within the South African DV8 project for 'Electric African Cinema'. In a period of three years, twelve digital films are being made to strengthen the basis for independent cinema in the country. The white former-policeman Tertius Coetzee (Arnold Vosloo, the Mummy from the adventure film) feels guilty about the violent crimes he committed in the past. Granted amnesty by the Truth Commission, but torn apart from within, Coetzee wants to be forgiven for killing the black activist Daniel Grootboom. He travels to the fishing village of Paternoster, on the wild and windy west coast of South Africa, and tries to approach the families of his victims. With great religious symbolism, Gabriel - himself white - shows the complexity of coping and forgiving. Father Hendrik and mother Magda are devastated after the death of their son and and don't know how to come to terms with Coetzee's visit. Brother Ernest and sister Sannie react with fury and Sannie calls Daniel's friends to come and get their revenge. A role play about human catharsis against a rough and bleached background of sand and sea. (SdH)
  • 112'
  • South Africa
  • 2004
Director
Ian Gabriel
Country of production
South Africa
Year
2004
Festival Edition
IFFR 2005
Length
112'
Medium
35mm
Languages
English, Afrikaans
Producers
Dv8 Films, Cindy Gabriel
Sales
Fortissimo Films
Screenplay
Greg Latter
Production Design
Leon van der Merwe
Local Distributor
1 more film
Website
http://www.forgivenessthemovie.com
Director
Ian Gabriel
Country of production
South Africa
Year
2004
Festival Edition
IFFR 2005
Length
112'
Medium
35mm
Languages
English, Afrikaans
Producers
Dv8 Films, Cindy Gabriel
Sales
Fortissimo Films
Screenplay
Greg Latter
Production Design
Leon van der Merwe
Local Distributor
1 more film
Website
http://www.forgivenessthemovie.com