The Heart Is a Muscle (film)
| The Heart Is a Muscle | |
|---|---|
Promotional release poster | |
| Directed by | Imran Hamdulay |
| Screenplay by | Imran Hamdulay |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Kabeer Shaik |
| Edited by | Paul Speirs |
| Music by | Tapiwa Musvosvi |
Production company | The Star Film Company |
| Distributed by | Indigenous Film Distribution |
Release date |
|
Running time | 89 minutes |
| Countries |
|
| Languages |
|
The Heart Is a Muscle is a 2025 South African crime thriller film written, co-produced and directed by Imran Hamdulay, in his directorial debut. It follows a young father's search for a better version of himself, and of masculinity, trans-generational trauma and healing.
The film had its world premiere at the Panorama section of the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on 17 February 2024, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize.[1] It was selected as the South African entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.[2]
Synopsis
Set in Cape Town, the film follows Ryan who is in his mid-30s and Laila, his wife. Both are raising their young son, Jude with love. During Jude's fifth birthday celebration, he suddenly goes missing, prompting a frantic search. Ryan is led to believe that Jude may have been taken into a gang-controlled area and, in a moment of desperation, assaults a man suspected of involvement. Upon returning home, Ryan discovers that Jude had been hiding there all along playing a prank. The incident forces Ryan to confront his own history of violence and initiates a journey toward personal redemption.
Cast
- Keenan Arrison as Ryan
- Melissa De Vries as Laila
- Loren Loubser as Meghan
- Dean Marais as André
- Ridaa Adams as Zaheer
- Danny Ross as Anees
- Troy Paulse as Jude
- Lincoln Van Wyk as Leslie
Production
The film was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, on the Cape Flats.[3]
Release
The Heart Is a Muscle had its world premiere in the Panorama section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 17 February 2025.[4][5]
The film featured at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival in the Features section on 12 June 2025.[6]
World distribution is handled by a French sales company MMM Film Sales.[7]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin International Film Festival | 23 February 2025 | Panorama Audience Award for Best Feature Film | The Heart Is a Muscle | Nominated | [8] |
| Prize of the Ecumenical Jury | Won | [9] | |||
| The Silwerskermfees | 23 August 2025 | Best Feature Film | Won | [10] |
See also
- List of submissions to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film
- List of South African submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film
References
- ^ Vassilis Economou (16 January 2025). "Diverse perspectives and limitless creativity abound in the Berlinale Panorama". Cineuropa. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (29 September 2025). "Oscars: South Africa Submits 'The Heart Is A Muscle' For International Feature Race". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ "Local Feature 'The Heart Is a Muscle' to Premiere at Berlinale 2025". Hypress. 1 February 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ Dalton, Ben (16 January 2025). "Berlinale reveals Special, Panorama, Generation and Forum titles". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ "The Heart Is a Muscle". Berlinale. 5 February 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ "Dreams (Sex Love)". Sydney Film Festival. 12 June 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ Rebecca Leffler (5 February 2025). "French sales outfit MMM scoops South African drama 'The Heart Is A Muscle' ahead of Panorama launch (exclusive)". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (16 January 2025). "Justin Kurzel Series 'The Narrow Road To The Deep North' Starring Jacob Elordi Among Titles Added To Berlinale Lineup". Deadline. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- ^ "Prizes 2025" (PDF). Berlinale. 22 February 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ "And the winners of the kykNET Silwerskerm Awards for Film and TV are". The Silwerskermfees. 23 August 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
External links
- The Heart Is a Muscle at IMDb
- Official website
- The Heart Is a Muscle at Berlinale