The human heart of a criminal

LOCAL MOVIES: SKOLLIE VS KHULI CHANA

Crime is the central theme in this week’s releases.

Alocal movie to look out for this week is Noem My Skollie. Based on the true story of a young man in the ’60s, who became a storyteller in jail, Noem My Skollie, is a powerful and moving film that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit.

Daryne Joshua’s directorial debut exposes a world that has never before been depicted in such an authentic way.

The film is set on the Cape Flats and the Pollsmoor Prison and is based on the life of the film’s scriptwriter, John W Fredericks.

Noem My Skollie tells the story of four teenagers, AB (Austin Rose) and his three best friends Gimba (Ethan Patton), Gif (Joshua Vraagom) and Shorty (Valentino de Klerk) who grow up on the impoverished ganglands of the Cape Flats in the ’60s.

Despite their circumstances, the chil- dren try to avoid the gangsters who infiltrate their daily lives – but when AB goes through a traumatic experience they decide to form a gang to protect themselves.

The four friends, now like brothers, do not commit serious crimes, but the police keep a close watch on them as they grow from teenagers into young men. Eventually, AB and Gimba are arrested while breaking into a shop and sentenced to two years in jail.

It is there, in the vicious world of prison, that AB decides to use his storytelling talent to entertain the hardened prisoners and raise his status, while his friend Gimba walks a very different path to ensure his own safety.

The film is beautifully shot with intricate attention to the detail and mood of the ’60s.

It has convincing performances from a host of celebrated South African actors and refreshing new talent.

But most importantly, the film is engaging and entertaining throughout and delivers a massive emotional impact.

Noem My Skollie explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, acceptance, the desire for a better life, hope and love.

The title of the film plays on the old adage that one should not judge a book by its cover and promotes the view that everyone has a gift – even if sometimes hard to find. And even if that gift comes at a price. – Citizen reporter

The film is beautifully shot with intricate attention to the detail and mood of the ’60s.