Film shows effects of farm attacks
Painful story of survival in new SA
ANEW South African film showing the brutality of farm attacks makes its debut in cinemas across the country this month – except in East London.
Treurgrond features actors Steve Hofmeyr, Erica Wessels, Jana Strydom, Richard Lukunku, Sharleen Surtie-Richards, Barbara-Marie Immelman, André Fraunstein Jnr, Deon Coetzee, André Scholtz and Boikie Pholo.
The film, distributed by Times Media Films, will debut at most SterKinekor and Nu Metro cinemas on May 29.
Hemingways Movies, the only cinema left in East London, said they would not be screening it.
Treurgrond tells the painful story of a farming community in SA trying to survive farm attacks confronting farmers almost every day.
The gruesome acts affect everyone related to the victims, but they also set in motion a chain of events.
Amid the pressure and anxiety increased by the growing number of farm murders, Lukas van Staden – played by Hofmeyr – tries to protect his family, his friends and his farm.
Lunkunku, who plays the role of Sergeant Morena in the movie, said being part of Treurgrond was an eye opener for him.
“My character is a black man who was raised by a white farmer. He grew up as an Afrikaner. His white father gets killed and he joins the police force as a way to catch those behind farm killings.
“They investigate the killings and eventually catch the guy responsible.”
The actor, who is known for roles in Night Drive, Ek Joke Net, and Superhelde, said doing research for his role exposed him to information he did not know about farm killings.
“The media doesn’t report on all farm attacks and it is not just white farmers. There is a misconception that only white farmers are getting killed but it’s not true. In some cases, even the labourers get killed. This film highlights all of that – it is not just about white farmers,” he said.
Strydom, who plays the role of Captain Helena Schoeman, echoed Lunkunku’s sentiments.
“Being a farmer in South Africa is a dangerous profession. I hope people will not judge this movie by its cover [which features Hofmeyr].
“This is our reality as South Africans – farmers are being killed. This is a relevant story and it is a slice of our rainbow nation story,” she said.
The former 7de Laan actress said her character was a no-nonsense cop in charge of a special task force.
“Being part of Treurgrond was absolutely fantastic. We had a nice vibe. Everyone was just professional. I did most of my scenes with Richard Lunkunku, who is such an amazing guy.” —