“n Saak van Geloof, a modern re-telling of the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ, releases on 9 September nationally.
Set in the Karoo town of Prince Albert, it features several Afrikaans music stars, including Robbie Wessels who had a major success with the comedy Poena Is Koning and the hit song Leeuloop. Joining him is Lelia Etsebeth of Bakgat and Erfsondes fame, and Gospel star Riana Nel in her film debut. Also starring in the film are veteran broadcaster Niekie van den Berg and Isidingo star Michael Brunner.
The film tells the tale of a young country girl, Marietjie Naude (Lelia Etsebeth), who returns to her parents’ farm for the Christmas holidays with some news: she’s pregnant. But the real shocker for Ella (Riana Nel) and Kallie (Robbie Wessels) comes when their daughter assures them she is still a virgin and that the Holy Spirit is the father of her unborn child. Kallie wants to believe Marietjie, but the film goes on to show that faith does not come easy.
At the heart of the story is a longing for a time when miracles were an everyday occurrence. Following the birth of the child, several miracles occur, but the local church and townspeople remain sceptical of Marietjie’s tale. She visits every church in the vicinity in search of a congregation that still believes in the possibility of miracles so that she can baptise her son.
“The film is a compelling and inspiring story about a community that is confronted with the beliefs it holds dear, only to find a bigger love and truer faith that brings them together,’ says director, Diony Kempen. “It’s about forgiveness, acceptance and the meaning of miracles.’
CEO of Indigenous Film Distribution Helen Kuun, is optimistic about the film’s prospects. “The film performed well at the kykNET National Afrikaans Film Festival held in August,’ says Kuun. “It’s a charming story that will appeal to Afrikaans music lovers and Christians everywhere.’
Another film distributed by Indigenous, How to Steal 2 Million, earned 15% more than Jerusalema on its opening weekend. The debut feature by director Charlie Vundla stars well-known actors Menzi Ngubane, Rapulana Seiphemo, Terry Pheto, Hlubi Mboya and John Kani.
“It’s great to see that South African films are becoming increasingly popular,’ says Kuun.
