IF you see one thing this month, make it ‘Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story’ (2018).
Written by Amy Jephta and directed by Daryne Joshua (‘Noem My Skollie’, 2016), the film tells the true story of a South African mother who murdered her tik-addicted son in 2007.
Inviting us beyond the local and international headlines into the home of Pakkies’ non-descript in the notorious and rundown Cape Flats, ‘Ellen’ expounds on a story many South Africans think they know.
An intimate exposition that introduces us to the doomed Abie Pakkies, a songwriter and Michael Jackson superfan whose life spirals out of control after he learns the truth of his origins, is expelled from school and becomes addicted to tik (crystal meth), the film stars Jill Levenberg and Jarrid Geduld, both phenomenal as the leads.
Particularly harrowing knowing that the scourge of tik has only escalated in the years since his murder, ‘Ellen’ shows us Abie’s devolution from school boy to the monstrous, violent, painfully addicted young man he became.
Sobering, stirring and incredibly relevant, the film sheds light on a community neglected, ignored and being failed by society and the government.
A genuinely affecting film with some deeply disturbing scenes, ‘Ellen’ is reality directed expertly by Joshua to the point of lingering and tears.
WIN, WIN, WIN!
Want to watch ‘Ellen’ (2018) or a movie of your choice at Ster-Kinekor? Win a double movie ticket by simply answering a question:Name another film directed by Daryne Joshua? Send your full name and your answer via SMS to 45045, using the keyword MOVIE. Competition closes Friday at 17h00.
– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com
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