‘Moffie’ is an abusive homophobic Afrikaans term some men are much too fond of using. Teenager Nicholas Van der Swart (Kai Luke Brummer) experiences this first-hand when, in 1981, he is called up for military service in the South African army. The sixteen-year-old cadet finds himself in a hard-as-nails macho world that strives to literally imprint homophobia, racism and xenophobia into the minds of young men.
Some of the boot camp scenes are reminiscent of the horror of Full Metal Jacket, but this fourth feature film from South African director Oliver Hermanus (Beauty, The Endless River) is above all a tender portrait of a boy who is suffocated by his new environment. The humiliating army training confirms that Nicholas is not like his fellow conscripts. It is only during rare private moments that he is able to explore his homosexuality. Hermanus portrays not only the madness of the South African apartheid era, but also the warmth of a young romance and sexual awakening.
Film details
Productieland
South Africa
Jaar
2019
Festivaleditie
IFFR 2020
Lengte
103'
Medium/Formaat
DCP
Taal
Afrikaans, English
Première status
None
Director
Oliver Hermanus
Screenplay
Oliver Hermanus, Jack Sidey
Cinematography
Jamie Ramsay
Editing
Alain Dessauvage, George Hanmer
Production design
Franz Lewis
Music
Braam du Toit
Production company
Portobello Productions
Producer
Jack Sidey, Eric Abraham
Sales / World rights holder
Portobello Film Sales
Sound design
Stephane De Rocquigny
Principal cast
Kai Luke Brummer, Ryan de Villiers, Matthew Vey, Stefan Vermaak, Hilton Pelser, Wynand Ferreira, Rikus Terblanche