Experimental Festival
AFDA Study Year: Year 3
Genre: Psychological drama
Running Time: 10
Rating: PG
Viewing Restriction: 16
Through the Noise Through the Noise is an experimental psychological short film that explores the emotional effects of grief, anxiety, poverty, and social pressure through symbolic storytelling and immersive visual language. Set almost entirely within a confined apartment, the film follows Thabiso, a young man struggling to cope with the death of his mother, Refilwe. As he isolates himself from the outside world, he begins communicating with her through an old radio, believing she is still present in his life. As the narrative unfolds, the audience gradually discovers that these conversations are manifestations of Thabiso's inability to accept reality. The apartment becomes a physical representation of his deteriorating mental state, covered in hospital bills, rejection letters, and reminders of financial hardship. At the same time, a mysterious darkness slowly approaches the apartment, symbolising the overwhelming emotional pressure, grief, and anxiety that Thabiso continues to avoid confronting. Rather than relying on conventional storytelling techniques, Through the Noise uses experimental narrative structures, visual symbolism, fragmented perception, and atmospheric sound design to place the audience within the protagonist's psychological experience. The film blurs the boundaries between memory, imagination, and reality, encouraging viewers to actively interpret its meaning and engage with its emotional themes. Through its exploration of mental health, loss, and resilience, 'Through the Noise' reflects challenges experienced by many young South Africans who face emotional, social, and economic pressures. By combining psychological realism with experimental cinematic techniques, the film aims to create an intimate and thought-provoking experience that encourages audiences to reflect on grief, healing, and the importance of human connection. Genre: Experimental Psychological Drama Themes: Anxiety, Grief, Mental Health, Isolation, Poverty, Healthcare Inequality, Family, Resilience, Hope Target Audience: Young adults (18–35), university students, emerging creatives, independent film audiences, and experimental film festival viewers.
Gift Ntshangase, Itumeleng Diphoko - Matamela Mphidi
Writer - Gugu Sekowe
Director - Tertius De Jongh
Executive Producer - Danielson Mokhoele
Cinematographer - Olamide Esan and Athi Nungu
Production Designer - Romeo Nokeuse
Costume, Make-up and Styling - Kelebogile Sephothwane
Editor - Banele Maseko and Basetsana Maluka
Sound Design - Keamogetswe Maseko
Visual Effects - Elardus Van Zyl
Data Wrangler - Baphiwe Gxaleka
Colourist/Grader - Baphiwe Gxaleka