Experimental Festival
AFDA Study Year: Year 3
Genre: Surreal Drama
Running Time: 10
Rating: PG
Viewing Restriction: 13
Apocalypsis is an experimental surreal drama that follows Elihle, a man trapped in denial after the death of his mother and the trauma of his childhood. Moving through fragmented memories and surreal spaces, Elihle struggles with isolation, grief, and emotional stagnation. As recurring symbols such as red balloons, mirrors, and a mysterious blurry entity appear throughout the film, Elihle is gradually forced to confront the wounded child within himself that he has spent years avoiding. The film explores the psychological journey from denial to acceptance, revealing that the entity haunting Elihle is ultimately his ten-year-old self. Through this confrontation, Elihle finally acknowledges his pain, grief, and memories of love shared with his mother. Apocalypsis concludes AMBIGUOUSly not knowing if Elihle finds peace within himself, completing his emotional journey from chaos and repression to healing and acceptance.
Uyanda Ndaba - Elihle
Sithabile Sihlahla - The Mother
Mvelo Ncala - Young Elihle
Writer - Reshaylin Pillay & Ziyanda Mnisi
Director - Reshaylin Pillay
Executive Producer - Mandisa Msomi
Associate Producer - Tynashe Manyonga
Cinematographer - Lwazi Ncala
Production Designer - Leonard van Deventer
Costume, Make-up and Styling - Micah Abrahams
Editor - Reshaylin Pillay & Lwazi Ncala
Sound Design - Jonathan Meyer
Composer - Bonga Panza & Jonathan Meyer
Visual Effects - Reshaylin Pillay & Luyanda Mngoma
Data Wrangler - Reshaylin Pillay
Colourist/Grader - Lwazi Ncala