Susanna van Biljon

This impressive Afrikaans film is the latest project from acclaimed director and producer Franz Marx. At the forefront is a frumpy Karen Zoid, who gives a surprisingly good debut performance as Susanna van Biljon, a middle-aged Karoo woman still living with her mother. Susanna’s dream is to sing, so when a talent-seeking roadshow rolls into town, she works up the courage to audition.

Central to her struggle is a lack of self-confidence and her unhealthy relationship with her mother. Her dreams and frustrations are universal, which is what makes the film so endearing. The cherry on top though is hearing Zoid belt out a couple of heartfelt tunes. This is a movie worth supporting.

Rating: 3 outta 5.