The nationwide 21-day lockdown currently in force across South Africa has had a severe impact upon movie houses in every province. Unfortunately, recently released movies like the local hit Moffie have also been critically impacted by their closure.
With it not being possible to see this much-lauded movie at a cinema right now, folk have been asking for an online version of the film to be made available as they obey enforced restrictions and ‘stay at home’ And with technology such as it is, their wish has been answered.
Director Oliver Hermanus, who spoke to Algoa FM’s Roland Gaspar a day before the release of the movie when there was no mention of a lockdown, has done some behind the scenes work with the rest of the production team and made it possible for audiences to watch Moffie while 'staying in'.
He posted the good news on the official Moffie Facebook page with a link that takes you through to their website with clear instructions as to how to download the movie and watch it from the couch anytime during lockdown.
The invitation to take in the movie reads as follows:
If you’re reading this we hope are safely at home to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections. Good for you! We all need to be safe and do our bit to stop the spread.
We find ourselves in unprecedented times, we’ve just released MOFFIE in cinemas nationwide but we cannot, in good conscience, ask you to go and see MOFFIE at your local cinema anymore because, well, we’re all in a lockdown BUT we still really want you to see our film!
There are a few key things to know before you purchase a ticket to stream our film online.
How much will it cost and how do I watch it?
R150 for a 24-hour ticket You can watch the film once from start to finish. You are welcome to pause the film at any time during this 24 hour period, but if you navigate away from the current viewing, your session will be lost, so do not close your browser or reload the page! The film is 103 minutes long and you can find the film at the bottom of this page.
We recommend watching this film on a desktop or tablet device and not on a phone.
You can go to moffiefilm.com/stream for more detailed instructions and information on the process.
Moffie has received rave reviews both here and abroad. It tells the the the story of a young conscript, 16-year-old Nicolas van der Swart, who battles to survive compulsory military service in apartheid-South Africa while coming to terms with his sexual identity.
City Press has said of the movie. "Moffie slices to the bone and you'll emerge from the cinema ratted and with your head buzzing. Film making at its most powerful."
To whet your appetite – the trailer.
