THE HEART IS A MUSCLE
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Ryan, a young father and devoted husband, organises a barbecue at his home with his wife, Laila, and their close friends. It promises to be a joyful day until their son Jude suddenly disappears. Ryan's violent reaction brings to light buried secrets from his past. THE HEART IS A MUSCLE explores violence, but also the paths to redemption, healing and forgiveness. In this debut feature film, director Imran Hamdulay offers a nuanced look at masculinity and the ability to open up to others in a tense social context.
Cooperation: Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
Fathers up
THE HEART IS A MUSCLE Direction: Imran Hamdulay, DCP, OmeU, 87 min
Guest
Imran Hamdulay is a writer, director and lives in Cape Town. He is a Berlinale Talents Alumni and Film Independent Fellow. He received the Robert Bosch Stiftung Award and was featured by CNN Inside Africa as one of “Africa's directors to watch”. His feature film debut THE HEART IS A MUSCLE premiered at the Berlinale 2025 and won the Independent Panorama Jury Prize. His latest short film THE WAIT won Best Short Film at the 45th Durban International Film Festival. His scripts have been presented at international markets. Imran produced the crime thriller SONS OF THE SEA, which premiered at Cinequest (USA) and won Best Feature Film at the 43rd Durban International Film Festival.