Award-winning 'Carissa' takes the leap from international acclaim to local cinemas
"Carissa" tells the story of a young woman who facing pressure from both her family and an encroaching corporate development scheme, she retreats into the mountains where she begins to reconnect with her roots.
Image: Supplied.
Award-winning local film "Carissa" will be making its big screen debut in Mzansi after receiving international recognition at several major film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival.
Directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, "Carissa" is their first feature film and has already gained acclaim for its poignant storytelling.
The film premiered in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, and has since been showcased at prestigious events like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in California and the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia.
It was also shown at the 13th Silwerskerm Festival.
Set amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Cederberg mountains, "Carissa" tells the story of a young woman who lives with her grandmother in the small village of Wupperthal.
As she faces challenges from her family and an incoming corporate development scheme, she escapes into the mountains to reconnect with her roots and embrace her identity.
Featuring both professional actors and local talent. The title role of Carissa is played by Gretchen Ramsden, known for films like "Toorbos" and "Bergie", alongside actors Wilhelmiena Hesselman and Hendrik Kriel as her grandparents.
Gretchen Ramsden enchants audiences in the title role of Carissa.
Image: Supplied.
Veteran actor Elton Landrew plays Carissa’s father, while newcomer Gladwin van Niekerk fills the role of her closest friend.
"We wanted to tell a story that was authentic to the place and people we were working with,” said co-director Jacobs.
"Making 'Carissa' was a collaborative process with the Wupperthal community whose experiences and perspectives are central to its narrative. Now we’re looking forward to seeing how South African audiences respond."
Producer Deidré Jantjies shared: "'Carissa' proves that South African cinema can hold its own internationally. Our stories are just as powerful and relevant as those from anywhere else. They speak to universal themes, while also showing the richness of our own history and culture."
"Carissa" will be shown at cinemas nationwide from September 26.
Watch the trailer below.