From viral oops to cinematic triumph: a family drama with heart and humour

MY F*K, Marelize went from being a 20-second viral video to a feature-length movie. This is certainly an unprecedented move.

- DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

However, after watching the clip, Brett Michael Innes, who directed Sink, Fiela se Kind, Catch Me A Killer, and Unseen 2, found his curiosity piqued. And so he reached out to Marelize Horn, and after they spoke, that’s when he realised he had a gem of a story on his hands.

Initially announced at the 12th Silwerskerm Film Festival a year ago, the project premiered as this year's opening night movie.

The excitement surrounding the film was infectious, from the blue carpet moments to the screening at The Rotunda at The Bay Hotel. Those expecting a typical comedy about an accident-prone teenager will be pleasantly surprised, as this goes far beyond that.

The story is set against the backdrop of WIKA, which is the annual Windhoek Carnival.

At the heart of it is Heidi (Je-ani Swiegelaar), the matriarch of the Horn family. A strong-willed woman, she loves her family and, like every mom, she wants the best for her children.

The movie opens with her receiving treatment at the hospital, then rushing to pick up Marelize (Zandelle Meyer), who, true to form, takes a tumble as she heads to the car, and then proceeds to complain bitterly about a difficult paper.

On the way home, Heidi pulls over to throw up, which worries Marelize.