Quanita Adams explores faith and family in ‘Hier.Na’

Article by Venecia Valentine

One of the highlight films premiered at this year’s Silwerskerm Film Festival, Hier.Na, is set to make its debut on DStv BoxOffice on 16 December 2024, promising to resonate with audiences across South Africa and beyond.

Directed by the talented actress Quanita Adams, Hier.Na delves into the intricacies of a modern, culturally blended South African family, deftly exploring themes of faith, identity, and the nuances of grief.

The story revolves around the Burgess family, who reside in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. At the heart of the narrative are Eric, a secular father, and his wife Juleigha, affectionately known as Julie, a non-practising Muslim. Their complex family dynamic features two children: Dean, a professional online gamer, and Leila, a medical student who is reconnecting with her Muslim faith, much to her mother’s dismay.

Tragedy strikes when Julie unexpectedly passes away from a heart attack. This devastating event propels Leila into action as she makes arrangements for a Muslim funeral, with the support of her grandmother, sending shockwaves through the Burgess household. As the family races against the clock to fulfil their religious obligations before sunset, they must confront the lingering tensions and conflicts that have simmered beneath the surface for years.

The screenplay was penned by Quanita and features an impressive ensemble cast, including David Isaacs, June van Merch, Trudy van Rooy, Shiefaa Hendricks, Lyle October, Beer Adriaanse, and Emile Smit

Hier.Na has already garnered critical acclaim, capturing four prestigious Silwerskerm Awards: Best Actress (June van Merch), Best Supporting Actress (Trudy van Rooy), Best Costumes (Ayesha Khatieb), and Best Cinematography (Ebrahim Hajee). These accolades highlight the film’s artistic achievements and the emotional depth of its storytelling.

In creating Hier.Na, Quanita aimed to bridge cultural divides, crafting a narrative that speaks to a diverse audience.

She explained: “We all die one day. The ways we bury our deceased may differ, but the essence is universal. It’s about commemorating the life that has ended.”

She emphasised that her family’s mixed religious background – half Christian and half Muslim –heavily influenced her creative process.

“What may seem strange or odd to you, can be meaningful, special and important to others. I hope people take something of this insight from this movie,” she adds, inviting viewers to engage with the film’s profound themes.

As Hier.Na becomes available for streaming, audiences are urged to embrace this heartfelt depiction of love, loss, and the celebration of cultural diversity – a timely reminder of the beautiful complexities that shape our human experience.