I usually manage my expectations when it comes to Afrikaans movies, but this year I was surprised by how good Afrikaans cinema has gotten.
I had the privilege to attend the Silwerskermfees in Camps Bay last week. During the event, I watched six feature-length films and not a single one disappointed me. In fact, each one was so unique that I’m glad I didn’t miss any of them.
I can honestly say that I might not be the target audience of some of these movies, and some aren’t movies that I would typically watch, but all of them impressed me. I wouldn’t mind watching any of them again. I do have a favourite movie though, and I think many won’t be surprised by it.
I just wrote short reviews for each movie, but I will post review videos for each before they premiere on the big screen or on Showmax. I’m reviewing them in the order they premiered at the Silwerskermfees. We’re starting off with:
Carissa
This film is visually stunning and beautifully told, transporting you straight into Wupperthal. It doesn’t just show the village, it makes you feel part of the community. What made this extra special is the involvement of the community as actors and background actors. This film is carried by incredible performances and exceptional direction. It not only tells the story of the people of Wupperthal but also the story of everyone shaped by similar communities.
My F*K Marelize
It is funny and heartwarming. This has to be one of the best Afrikaans comedies I’ve ever watched. It might, in fact, be one of my favourite comedies of all time. What started out as a meme now shines on the silver screen. It not only gives us a wonderful story about family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, but it also beautifully captures the life and culture in my hometown, Windhoek. It actually made me miss home.
Finding Optel
This is a movie that’s a light in a dark world. It’s fresh, original, and told in such an exciting way. It does cover some heavy themes, but somehow still makes it fun without taking away from the message. From the cinematography to the characters, everything clicks, and the ending is one of the very best. This is one of those movies that will change the future of South African cinema, simply because it’s so unique.
Hen
I’m not the biggest horror fan, but I can appreciate a good psychological thriller, and this is one I definitely appreciated. At first, I didn’t know what to make of it, but it turned out to be one of the best horror-thrillers of the year. It has a stellar cast that delivers exceptional performances and a chilling atmosphere. It uses the environment itself to drive the narrative, and that ending was simply wow!
The Heart is a Muscle
One of the movies I looked forward to the most, and it was near perfect. This is probably the movie I related to the most. Its powerful performances make this a must-watch. It’s gripping, relevant, and an important story for our time and for the coloured community. I shed a few tears while watching it, and it reminded me how fragile life is and how anything can change in the blink of an eye. I’m glad this film won Best Feature Film at the awards, because it definitely deserved it.
Khaki Fever
This one is not for the faint-hearted or conservative—it’s wild and unapologetic. It feels like a throwback to the steamy, outrageous comedies of the late 90s and early 2000s. Think American Pie, but in Afrikaans. It delivers some really good comedic moments, but parents should please keep their children away; you don’t want them to teach you new things.
I love and appreciate all these films, but the standout for me was My F*k Marelize, maybe it’s because it hits close to home or maybe it’s just a really good film. It will be out in cinemas on 29 August 2025. Book you tickets at CineCentre Now!
