Darrell Roodt’s film Treurgrond deals with a controversial subject: It takes a close look at the issue of farm murders in South Africa. The outspoken actor, musician and activist Steve Hofmeyr plays Lukas, the soft-hearted farmer at the centre of the story. Lukas tries desperately to protect his family, farm and community when the area is plagued by farm murders. Apart from the violence on the farms, there is also a land claim hanging against Lukas’ farm. Lukas and his wife Nellie (played by award-winning actress Erica Wessels) are trying to keep their farm going in the midst of all these challenges. Other characters populating the story, are the young detective Helena Schoeman (Jana Strydom) and police sergeant Morena (Richard Lukunku), who are trying to find out who is responsible for these gruesome murders and put a stop to the violence. Viewers will also meet Daniel and Katie Lebona and their son Edwin. Daniel (Boikie Pholo) is the trusted foreman on the farm, but it is his son Edwin (Graeme Kriega) bringing the land claim against Lukas. Katie (Shaleen Surtie-Richards) is the teacher at the little school on the farm, but Nellie feels she is taking advantage of Lukas’s soft heart.

Roodt is an award-winning director known for movies like A place of weeping (1986) and Sarafina! (1992). Here he takes on an upsetting subject in order to create awareness about a crisis facing so many South Africans. The cinematography is breath-taking and there are moments of raw emotion in the film that will touch viewers. Be aware, however, that Treurgrond does contain scenes of graphic violence which may disturb some viewers.

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