A father chooses family over empire—and pays the price.
During the Boer War in South Africa, upon hearing that the British are planning a scorched earth policy, a respected Boer officer, who's also a loving father and husband, decides to go home and protect his wife and family instead of participating further in the war. The decision leads to a treason trial for him and his sons.
Acting
Gys de Villiers carries moral weight in every weary glance.
Writing
Refuses easy heroism—protagonist's choice is messy, debatable, human.
Director
Paul Eilers
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Afrikaans cinema rarely confronts Boer War complicity so directly; this film sparked debate about whose stories get told in South African historical memory.
Director Paul Eilers spent years developing this after discovering his own ancestor faced similar treason charges—explains the uncomfortable intimacy.
ZA
