01 Feb 2012
Director: Oliver Schmitz
South Africa
2010
100 min
This raw emotional drama manages to avoid mawkishness despite extremely powerful subject matter, predominantly because of the superb acting on show from the ensemble cast, including several talented youngsters. Central to the story is the universal shame and hypocrisy associated with HIV/AIDS in modern South Africa. Twelve-year-old Chanda (Khomotso Manyaka) is the effective head of a family devastated by a disease they refuse to discuss or even acknowledge (when it is mentioned, it is simply “the bug’). This uplifting, tightly told drama follows Chanda showing remarkable courage often against the advice of those around her. The film is ultimately rewarding in its message of hope and family love.