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Fathers Matter Film Series

Fathers Matter Film Series

There are six different films in the series, set in various contexts around South Africa. Each short film is a compelling drama that explores the complexities of fatherhood and the relationships people have with their fathers in South Africa today, where most children grow up in homes without their biological fathers.

The films star actors such as Lorcia Cooper Kumalo, Aubrey Mmakola, Jacques Blignaut, Sello Matloung, Ebenhaezer Dibakwane, Thandy Matlaila, Bradley Olivier and Tshepo Maseko.

You can watch the films by clicking on each film's page below, or on our YouTube channel.

Looking for the film discussion guides? Click here.

Family Portrait Film Poster
Family Portrait

Ayize is a struggling artist who becomes a new father when his girlfriend Nomvula has a baby. He is devoted to both her and their baby girl, Zenzile. But he must prove to his rather terrifying and tough mother-in-law Cecelia that he is good enough to be a good dad, even though he can’t provide financially.

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In Time Film Poster
In Time

Lerumo is a gold miner who works on a mine far away from his wife Amanda and daughter Bokamoso. Despite this, he is a loving father who spares nothing to show up for his child. But many obstacles threaten to throw him off track. Can he make it in time?

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EABCW Film Poster
Everything a Boy Could Want

Martin is a rich businessman who financially provides everything his family needs. But he is emotionally cruel, impossible to please and hardly ever there for his son, Lester.  Lester has everything money can buy, except what he longs for the most – his father's love and approval.

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Melodi Film Poster
Melodi

Melodi is a successful banker who was raised by a loving single mother, Sesi. She is about to be married to Liyanda. But all this brings back old wounds and deep feelings of abandonment. Melodi decides to deal with the pain of her past by searching for a father she never knew, before making a commitment of her own.

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Airwalker Film Poster
Airwalker

Zoë is a gifted young skateboarder whose talent earns her a spot in a promo for her favourite skate park. But her parents, Bridget and Mike are separated, and their continual fighting affects her deeply. Caught between their lies and constant arguments, a frustrated Zoë lands up in a life-threatening situation. But is this enough to give her parents a reality check?

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Manskap Film Poster
Manskap

Kyle is a troubled but promising young man, unemployed, fatherless and raised by a single mother. With nothing much to keep him motivated besides his love for cars, Kyle finds himself in the clutches of a powerful local gang leader, Rooi. When another father figure steps in to offer him a new sense of direction, Kyle must make a choice.

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Discussion guides

We have also put together some discussion guides to accompany the films. These can be used in many different contexts, from corporate settings to social groups, sports clubs and churches.

Cover Fathers Matter Films Discussion Guide

Films Discussion Guide

This discussion guide can be used to explore the themes of fatherhood in South Africa from the six Heartlines Fathers Matter Films.

Download Available
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Discussion Guide Cover

Films Discussion Guide for Churches

This discussion guide can be used to explore the themes of fatherhood in South Africa from the six Heartlines Fathers Matter Films.

Download Available
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FM Films Discussion Guide Zulu Cover

Isikhokhelo Sengxoxo KumaSonto

This isiZulu discussion guide can be used to explore the themes of fatherhood in South Africa from the six Heartlines Fathers Matter Films.

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FM Films Discussion Guide Se Sotho Cover

Bukana ya Tataiso Dipuisanong Bakeng sa Dikereke

This Sesotho discussion guide can be used to explore the themes of fatherhood in South Africa from the six Heartlines Fathers Matter Films.

Download Available
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FM Films Discussion Guide Afrikaans Cover

Films Besprekingsgids Vir Kerke

This Afrikaans discussion guide can be used to explore the themes of fatherhood in South Africa from the six Heartlines Fathers Matter Films.

Download Available
Read more about Films Besprekingsgids Vir Kerke