South African actors, Qunaita Adams, David Isaacs and June van Merch. Picture: Supplied
South African actress, writer and director Quanita Adams delivers a personal and moving story with “Hier.Na”.
It’s a drama that takes a close look at family tensions, the grieving process and the ways different cultures honour their loved ones after death.
The story revolves around Julie, a strong-willed mother who passes away suddenly from a heart attack. Her death forces her family to gather for a Muslim funeral, which Leila, Julie’s daughter, insists on organising with the help of Julie’s mother.
The decision to follow Islamic traditions causes friction in the family, uncovering long-standing conflicts and undercurrents. Julie must be buried by sunset, as required by Muslim custom, and the urgency of the situation pushes the family into an emotional whirlwind.
Leila, a medical student who recently reconnected with her Muslim identity, finds herself at odds with the family’s expectations. Her journey of faith, her brother Dean’s career as a professional gamer, and the dynamics of their Christian relatives add layers of complexity to the story.
Adams drew from her personal experiences to create the film.
“Having grown up in the Muslim community, I have attended many janazahs, but when it is one of your immediate family members, you get a new perspective on funerals, grief, family, and the way we hold each other in these moments,” she shared.
Adams also highlights the universal nature of mourning, saying, “We all die one day. The ways we bury our deceased may differ, but the essence is universal. It’s about commemorating the life that has ended.”
She encourages viewers to appreciate the beauty in different cultural practices, even when they seem unfamiliar.
The film's impact was recognised at the Silwerskerm Awards, winning four accolades: for Best Actress (June van Merch), Best Supporting Actress (Trudy van Rooy), Best Costumes (Ayesha Khatieb) and Best Cinematography (Ebrahim Hajee).
The cast features local favourites, including David Isaacs, Van Merch, Van Rooy, Shiefaa Hendricks, Lyle October, Beer Adriaanse and Emile Smit.
This film is more than just a story about grief; it’s a snapshot of South African life, showcasing the ways different cultures coexist and sometimes clash.
Adams’s perspective and storytelling allow “Hier.Na” to bridge gaps between communities, making it both relatable and enlightening for viewers.
The standout films that premiered at this year’s Silwerskerm Film Festival will be available on DStv BoxOffice from Monday, December 16.