06 July 2016 Volume :4 Issue :30

A Mile in my Shoes Featured at Durban Film Festival

A Mile in my Shoes, directed by Saeed Khallaf.

A Mile in My Shoes is a psychological thriller involving a child, Saeed, born and bred in misery and suffering, who decides to take revenge on the society which has marginalised him.

The film, which premiered at this year’s Durban International Film Festival, is directed by Said Khallaf. 

Set against a background of an unforgiving city in Morocco, filled with chaos and poverty, this depressing yet touching social drama offers sensitive insight into the lives of street children.

The film reveals how Saeed’s family is suffering with his mother - a domestic worker - leaving early in the morning and returning at midnight.  Saeed often goes to sleep on an empty stomach because his father, an alcoholic and violent person, eats his food.

Saeed begins to hate his father and eventually stabs him but his mother takes the blame and ends up in jail.

The youngster meets other street children but for him to be a member of the group, he has to kiss the group leader’s hand which he refuses to do. He is then beaten and sexually abused.

After this incident, Saeed finds work but his boss tries to rape him. The boy stabs his assailant and is sent to jail for that.

The film reveals his treatment in prison and the harsh realities he has to deal with there. It also highlights the plight of families torn apart by domestic violence and the consequences of that. 

The 37th Durban International Film Festival was hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts in UKZN’s College of Humanities.

For more information, visit www.durbanfilmfestival.co.za Twitter: #DIFF2016   @DIFFest

Nomcebo Mncube

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