Outcasts

Navigating a Xenophobic South African suburb, a Burundian immigrant couple and their three children struggle to adapt to the threatening society in which they live and work. They own and run a convenience store which serves their neighborhood but is also on the receiving end of blatant xenophobic abuse and threats. 

Our three hero characters are Eric, the young adult son, Cedric, the 10-year-old son and their father, Pascal. The film delves into their everyday lives and how they experience xenophobia in social environments, at school and the workplace. Events such as an attack on the family store, beatings at school and cyberbullying all illustrate the struggle they endure on an ongoing basis and the tension that is built between them and their attackers. The film explores: Eric’s relationship with his friends, a budding romantic involvement with Abby who’s also a childhood friend, as well as the love he has for his family and his desire to protect his younger brother. Cedric struggles to build relationships with his peers and confront loneliness and rejection at a very vulnerable age. Pascal a loving father trying to lead by example whilst dealing with his own issues of leadership and being a provider, yet unaware of the extent to which his sons need his support. 

The story culminates with Eric’s public execution. Voice messages sent to Cedric by Eric prior to his death inspires the young boy to stay strong and keep going in the face of adversity.

Key Team

• Producer: Janette De Villiers, known for 'The Solidarity Fund' and also won 3 awards at the Ciclope Awards. IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7183960
• Director: Aristide Akimana, known for 'That Awkward Moment' and has won an award at 'The 1minute international festival'. https://groundglass.slateapp.com/showreel/view/6385da1d109b3
• Production Company: Groundglass, based in Cape Town, is known for 'The Solidarity Fund' (documentary). http://groundglass.co.za/longform
• Website: http://groundglass.co.za/

Audience Demographics

• Age Range: 16 - 40
• Interests: Afrophobia & Xenophobia/ Belonging/ Coming of Age/ Family Bonds/ Cultural Heritage/ Cultural Differences / Discrimination
• Psychographic Traits: Audiences will be drawn to this film for its emotional depth and exploration of universal themes like family, resilience, and the impact of xenophobia. The story of an immigrant family navigating a hostile South African suburb will resonate with viewers who are sensitive to the struggles of marginalized communities and the toll of racism. Through the eyes of Eric, Cedric, and their father Pascal, the film offers a poignant portrayal of love, sacrifice, and survival in the face of adversity. It will particularly connect with those who are interested in stories of personal and collective resilience, as well as the psychological and emotional impact of bullying and discrimination on individuals and families. Audiences will walk away inspired by the characters' strength and the film's call for empathy and inclusion.
• Viewing Preferences: Ideally, this film would have a cinematic release, allowing audiences to experience its emotional depth on the big screen. In addition to theatrical distribution, the film would be targeted for streaming at international film festivals, providing an opportunity for global exposure and recognition. Given its themes of family, resilience, and social justice, it would be particularly impactful when screened in high schools around the world, where mature teenage audiences can engage with its powerful messages about xenophobia, bullying, and empathy. Following its festival and educational screenings, the film would also be well-suited for release on streaming platforms, enabling families to watch and reflect on its important themes from the comfort of their homes. This multi-platform approach ensures the film reaches a broad, diverse audience, fostering meaningful conversations across different cultural contexts. 

Current Status

We are currently in the final stages of script development, refining the draft to ensure the story resonates with audiences and delivers its intended impact. At this stage, we are actively seeking funding to produce a Proof-of-Concept short film that will showcase the core themes, characters, and tone of the feature-length project. This short will serve as a powerful tool to attract further investment, as it will demonstrate the creative vision and potential of the full film. Our goal is to generate interest from both production companies and distributors, with a focus on securing additional funding for the full production. We intend to profit through a combination of festival circuit screenings, educational licensing, and eventual distribution across streaming platforms and international markets. This multi-faceted distribution approach will help maximize revenue while ensuring the film reaches a wide and diverse audience, particularly in educational and social justice-focused settings.

Selling Points

Relevant and Untold Social Issue: This project tackles the critical yet underrepresented issue of xenophobia, particularly in South Africa, providing a rare opportunity to explore the lived experiences of foreign nationals in a country where xenophobic tensions are a real and pervasive issue. The story’s focus on the struggles of an immigrant family offers both an emotional and social commentary on the complexities of adaptation, survival, and belonging in a hostile society.  

Unique Diasporic Cinema Narrative: As a film that falls under the category of Diasporic Cinema, it offers a compelling, cross-cultural story about two brothers navigating their identity in a foreign land Eric, a young adult caught between the political and societal pressures of his adopted country, and Cedric, a preteen facing bullying and discrimination in school. This dual perspective presents a layered and nuanced portrayal of how xenophobia affects individuals at different stages of life, making it deeply relatable to a global audience.  

Culturally Authentic Casting: To ensure an authentic representation of the immigrant experience, we intend to cast local, emerging talent for the lead roles, particularly the young brothers Eric and Cedric. This will provide an opportunity to highlight fresh, authentic voices in cinema while reflecting the cultural realities of South Africa’s diverse communities. In contrast, we plan to cast A-list actors in key supporting roles, such as Cedric’s teacher or Eric’s parents and friends, to elevate the film’s visibility and attract wider attention.  

Universal Themes with Local Relevance: While the film is rooted in South African society, its themes of identity, family, and survival in a divided world are universally relatable. The story of two brothers learning to navigate the tension between their heritage and the hostile environment around them will resonate with diverse audiences, particularly in immigrant communities globally. The film offers a cross-cultural perspective that appeals to viewers in both African and international markets.  

Potential for Educational and Social Impact: With its focus on xenophobia and immigrant struggles, the film has the potential for significant educational outreach, especially in high school and university settings. The story’s timely exploration of social justice themes also positions the film as a powerful tool for sparking discussions on racism, empathy, and inclusion, creating an opportunity for partnerships with educational institutions and social advocacy organizations.