Material

Material is a South African film that was released in 2012. It was directed by Craig Freimond and produced by Robbie Thorpe and Ronnie Apteker. The film boasts a bold cast with stand-up comedian Riaad Moosa starring in the lead role alongside Vincent Ebrahim, Joey Rasdien, and Denise Newman. The film was shot in Fordsburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Material is a coming-of-age story with a touching exploration of family dynamics, identity, and personal ambition. This uniquely South African film does a wonderful job at presenting a tale that connects to the humanity within us all, while also providing a slice-of-life view into the world of the Indian Muslim community in South Africa.

The film follows a young man, Cassim Kaif, played by Riaad Moosa, who works in his father's fabric shop in Johannesburg. While Cassim wishes to follow his passion for stand-up comedy, his father, Ebrahim (played by Vincent Ebrahim), has plans for him to take over the family business. This setup provides a rich ground for the exploration of generational clashes and cultural traditionalism.

Cassim's experience with stand-up comedy burgeons when he meets a pair of comedians who invite him to perform at an open mic night. Despite his initial hesitation and intense stage fright, Cassim's natural comic timing and innate charisma make him an instant hit in the local comedy scene, a development that forces him to rethink his future.

A substantial part of the narrative is devoted to considering the fabric of the society in which Cassim lives. The film takes a compassionate and open-minded view of his world, and rather than considering tradition to be a problem, it views it as an integral part of the film's landscape. This all illuminates the ongoing conflict and the way it gets manifested between Cassim and his father, who believes that the comedy world is improper and goes against their religion and tradition.

The film's ending is sensitively executed but will not be revealed here to avoid spoilers. However, it's worth noting that the last few scenes leave a lasting imprint in the hearts of the viewers, leaving them a lot to ponder upon long after the credits have rolled.

Riaad Moosa shines in the role of Cassim Kaif, balancing his comedic timing with genuine performances during the film's more dramatic moments. Similarly, Vincent Ebrahim’s portrayal of a strict, no-nonsense yet vulnerable father is outstanding, and the scenes between father and son lend an emotional depth to the film.

The characters in Material are deeply human, and their story resonates universally, transcending specific cultural contexts. Each character equips with an individuality that brings a distinctive taste to the story. The layers of humor interspersed with poignant moments serve to engage and entertain the audience throughout the film.

The cinematography of the film, done by Trevor Brown, is seamless, beautifully capturing the streets of Fordsburg, creating an authentic atmosphere that helps the viewers to relate to the world of Kaif family. The director, Craig Freimond, skillfully combines humor, drama, and social commentary into a cohesive whole that leaves viewers both entertained and thought-provoked.

Material, though primarily a comedy, is also an exploration of identity, family ties, and individual dreams. It gives an incisive view of a community not often highlighted in mainstream cinema and provides a fresh narrative on family values, personal ambition, and the intersection of tradition and modern life. With its engaging plot, strong performances, and a clever mix of humor and emotion, Material is a must-watch film.