Imran Hamdulay, a South African filmmaker, is set to release his sophomore film, Pieces, a family drama that delves into the lives of two young brothers as their mother prepares to remarry and leave their childhood home. The film, which began principal photography in Cape Town and surrounding areas, follows the boys as they try to understand their father and the world around them. Hamdulay's experience with his debut feature, The Heart is a Muscle, which won the Panorama Ecumenical Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, has informed his approach to Pieces.
Pieces is a story about loss, but Hamdulay emphasizes that it's not just a sad film – it's also funny, warm, and clumsy. The film explores themes of childhood, memory, and what we inherit from the people we love. Hamdulay's interest in these themes may be influenced by his own life, as he is set to become a father soon. His approach to storytelling is characterized by a desire to create honest and authentic films that resonate with audiences.
The film features a talented young cast, including Tazwell Sprogter and Asher Jacobs, who play the two brothers. Kim Engelbrecht plays their mother, Salma, and Keenan Arrison and Cedwyn Joel also star in the film. Hamdulay praises his cast, saying that they bring a magic to the film that can't be manufactured or planned. He particularly enjoyed working with the young actors, who brought an unpredictability and freshness to the set.
Hamdulay's approach to filmmaking has evolved since his debut feature. He says he's become more comfortable with himself as a filmmaker and less interested in proving anything. He resisted the idea of making a film just to chase after the success of his debut, instead focusing on creating a film that has integrity and feels connected to him. Pieces is a visually ambitious film that builds on Hamdulay's experience with The Heart is a Muscle.
The crew of Pieces includes a team of skilled practitioners, such as editor Paul Speirs, production designer Tirath Bhoola, and producers Adam Thal and Casey Diepeveen. Pierre de Villiers serves as the director of photography. The team has worked on productions like Black Burns Fast, The Last Ranger, and This is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection. Hamdulay emphasizes the importance of collaboration in filmmaking, saying that the crew is a huge part of what allows him to be a filmmaker.
Principal photography on Pieces has begun and is scheduled to wrap in November. The film is set to premiere in 2027 and has secured South African distribution through Indig. Hamdulay is excited to share his new film with audiences, saying that it's a story that needs to be told. He hopes that Pieces will resonate with viewers and spark important conversations about family, loss, and identity.
With Pieces, Hamdulay continues to explore themes that are relevant to South African audiences. The film is a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of childhood, memory, and loss. As Hamdulay prepares to release his sophomore film, he reflects on the importance of creating honest and authentic stories that resonate with audiences.
Key points
- Imran Hamdulay's new film, Pieces, explores themes of childhood, memory, and loss through the story of two young brothers.
- The film features a talented young cast, including Tazwell Sprogter and Asher Jacobs, and experienced actors like Kim Engelbrecht and Keenan Arrison.
- Pieces is set to premiere in 2027 and has secured South African distribution through Indig.
