A timely and relevant film, Heartlines the first feature by the prolific South African filmmaker Angus Gibson is the final episode of the critically acclaimed television series of the same Name.
Heartlines is a touching story about second chances, forgiveness and the power of unconditional love. After serving a jail sentence, Manyisa, a young man with a cruel past and uncertain future, is offered a second chance at life. For Manyisa (played by newcomer Mduduzi Mabaso), a convicted thief, a chance at redemption comes along when he is paroled and taken in by a pastor and his family.
Pastor Jacob (played by Mpho Molepo), whose brother Elias died while being part of Bra Stones’ Boys, sees something of his late brother in Manyisa. Jacob’s young son S’bu sets out to befriend Manyisa, nicknaming him Sporro, after a game of soccer that sets to cast a tender bond between the convict and the youngster.
Manyisa is unwittingly drawn into assisting with the church choir, and soon finds himself drawn into the closeness of the family and the congregation. This chance at a new life is threatened by Bra Stone (played by Mbongeni Ngema), Manyisa's former crime boss, has other ideas. In debt to Bra Stone, Manyisa has to fall back on his old ways to repay him. A robbery takes place at Manyisa’s work, a foreman is killed and the police believe its Bra Stone’s work. Manyisa disappears.
One final job for Bra Stone could lead to Manyisa’s undoing. It’s no longer about redeeming himself in the eyes of others, Manyisa must now give himself the second chance.
Programmer: Hayet Benkara
Director's Bio
Technical Information
Heartlines is a touching story about second chances, forgiveness and the power of unconditional love. After serving a jail sentence, Manyisa, a young man with a cruel past and uncertain future, is offered a second chance at life. For Manyisa (played by newcomer Mduduzi Mabaso), a convicted thief, a chance at redemption comes along when he is paroled and taken in by a pastor and his family.
Pastor Jacob (played by Mpho Molepo), whose brother Elias died while being part of Bra Stones’ Boys, sees something of his late brother in Manyisa. Jacob’s young son S’bu sets out to befriend Manyisa, nicknaming him Sporro, after a game of soccer that sets to cast a tender bond between the convict and the youngster.
Manyisa is unwittingly drawn into assisting with the church choir, and soon finds himself drawn into the closeness of the family and the congregation. This chance at a new life is threatened by Bra Stone (played by Mbongeni Ngema), Manyisa's former crime boss, has other ideas. In debt to Bra Stone, Manyisa has to fall back on his old ways to repay him. A robbery takes place at Manyisa’s work, a foreman is killed and the police believe its Bra Stone’s work. Manyisa disappears.
One final job for Bra Stone could lead to Manyisa’s undoing. It’s no longer about redeeming himself in the eyes of others, Manyisa must now give himself the second chance.
Programmer: Hayet Benkara
Director's Bio
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Angus Gibson began his film-making career in the early 1980s creating television and documentries. In response to 1980's press restrictions in South Africa, together with other like-minded film-makers, he formed Free Film-Makers – an organization that encouraged the creation of films reflecting the reality of South Africa. His works include Freedom Square & Back of the Moon, with acclaimed artist, William Kentridge, Soweto, a history,7 Up South Africa, 14 Up South Africa and the authorized biography Mandela, Son of Africa, Father of a Nation, which was nominated for an Oscar and won the Amnesty International Media Spotlight and Pare Lorentz awards. Heartlines is his first feature film. |
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Production Company Curious Pictures 41a Frost Ave Auckland Park, Gauteng 2092 South Africa Tel.: +27117262828 Fax: +27117262832 Email: viva@curious.co.za Website: www.curious.co.za |
Distribution Company Curious Pictures 41a Frost Ave Auckland Park, Gauteng 2092 South Africa Tel.: +27117262828 Fax: +27117262832 Email: viva@curious.co.za Website: www.curious.co.za |
Technical Information
| Type | : | colour |
| Dialogue | : | English, Zulu, Xhosa Sotho |
| Subtitles | : | English |
| Running Time | : | 95 min. |
| Exhibition Format | : | dvd |
| Screen Ratio | : | 1:66 |
| Sound | : | stereo |
Toronto Premiere
Screening(s):
Thu, April 3rd, 2008
8:00 pm
Cineplex Odeon Carlton
Theatre 6
Regular Presentation
Director(s):
Angus Gibson
Writer(s):
Story By Michelle Rowe Adapted By Angus Gibson
Producer(s):
Mariki Pretorious, Exec Prod- David Jammy, Exec Prod- Harriet Gavshon
Actor(s):
Mpho Joseph Molepo
Mduduzi Mabaso
Thabo Tshabalala
S’Thandiwe Kgoroge
Mbongeni Ngema