On the official website for the SA movie Moffie the film is succinctly summed up, “ The year is 1981 and South Africa’s white minority government is embroiled in a conflict on the southern Angolan border. Like all white boys over the age of 16, Nicholas Van der Swart must complete two years of compulsory military service to defend the Apartheid regime. The threat of communism and “die swart gevaar” (the black danger) is at an all-time high. But that’s not the only danger Nicholas faces. He must survive the brutality of the army – something that becomes even more difficult when a connection is sparked between him and a fellow recruit.”
The toxic masculinity of the army and Nicolas' battle to come to terms with his sexual orientation have been described by Variety as a "Scarringly Brilliant Masterpiece", Sight and Sound have said it is a "Gut Punch of a Film", while Screen Daily have called it '"Triumphant"
As anticipation builds for the opening of the movie across South Africa next week, director Oliver Hermanus decided to discuss the film with a few gay men for whom he has great respect. His aim, to have a discussion around the derogatory word ‘moffie.’
These conversations form part of the #calledamoffie campaign by Portobello Productions – the company behind the movie. Comedian Marc Lottering was one of these hand-picked men.
You can watch the rest of these conversations on the film’s website www.moffiefilm.com/calledamoffie
Actor Armand Aucamp, Pieter Dirk Uys, Casper de Vries, TV and radio personality Rian van Heerden, politician Siphesihle Dube, fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi, business consultant and founder of the Gay Pages, Rubin van Niekerk, sexual health activist Phumlani Kango, and Damian Engelbrecht, the first openly gay contestant on the reality series Boer Soek ‘n Vrou are all featured.
Moffie will open in South Africa on Friday, 13th March. Be sure to catch Algoa FM’s Roland Gaspar on Thursday the 12th March at 3.30 pm when he will be in conversation with director Oliver Hermanus on The Drive Show.
