Material is a labour of love, both in its construction and its content. Taking over seven years of writing and refining to get it from the souls of a few individuals to the screens of many, Craig Freimond’s film is about love in all its forms.

Set in Johannesburg, Material follows the story of the disruption of an Indian Muslim family when it is discovered the son, Cassim Kaif (played by the talented Riaad Moosa), when not working in his father’s fabric shop, is pursuing his dream to be a stand up comedian. The family, already disrupted by the father’s, Ebrahim Kaif (Vincent Ebrahim), estrangement from his brother is thrown into a turmoil that is interposed with clips of Cassim’s stand up performances. On stage, Cassim’s comic delivery is outstanding, and each performance parallels neatly with the events in his life at the time. The subjects, ranging from wedding day rituals to how much laughter is too much, are relevant, poignant and, most importantly, hilarious.

Based loosely on Riaad Moosa’s life as a Muslim stand up comedian, the film seeks to put a comical spin on the pressures faced by young adults existing in a world that does not necessarily marry comfortably with their beliefs. As he desperately tries to please his father, impress the girl of his dreams and follow his calling, the interactions between the characters, in particular Cassim and his best friend Yusuf (Joey Rasdien), are funny, touching and complex. The superb script and patient, unobtrusive filming means that we are flies on the wall to the Kaif family, seeing all points of view and taking no sides. Rather than forcing unlikely conversations between stubborn Ebrahim and reserved Cassim, the intricate and shifting relationship between father and son is represented through simple repeated sequences, such as washing their feet before prayer and opening the shop. The differing levels of closeness and respect are shown according to whether they are praying together or alone and who walks through the shop door first. It is these clever moments that make Material both universal in its representation of the family unit, and educative in its representation of a specific religion, culture and country.

This union between the universal and the specific is essential to the film’s overall success. Arguments and interactions between family members, whilst largely specific to their culture, are effective in that it is like watching your own family. All the characters and narrative effects one might expect in a romantic comedy are present, from the hero’s funny sidekick, to the almost Disney-style music that plays when Cassim sees his dream girl Zulfa (Carishma Basday), and yet there is little that is stereotypical or expected about the film itself. Without feeling as though you are being schooled on the religion, in witnessing the insensitivities of non-Muslim individuals and the expectations, rituals and restrictions of each individual family member, we are treated to a glimpse into a world that is rarely represented so gently and humorously. By becoming so emotionally invested in the Kaif family, we are rewarded with scenes of indulgent, tear-jerking emotion and a life lesson that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. Denise Newman and Ebrahim Kaif give exceptional performances, whilst Riaad Moosa’s handsome comic hero is self-deprecated, compassionate and highly endearing. With a running time of 94 minutes, Freimond wastes no time at all in making you fall in love with the dusty Johannesburg streets, stand-up comedy performances, cars that don’t start, weddings, row-boats, the Oriental Plaza and the characters themselves to boot, leaving you with a dilemma of your own; whether to watch it again or recommend it to a friend.

The name Material is apt. Not only a dual-reference to Cassim’s comedy and the cloth sold in their family shop, Material is a compassionate dedication to the intricately woven fabric of family life, with all its tears and imperfections, the result of which is nothing less than inspiring.

For more information about the film, click here

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