The South African film Roepman (Callman), is an interesting film set in Durban during the 1960’s. The film explores various themes, amongst other things, the role of the church in societies and the oppressive apartheid regime. However, chief amongst the issues explored in Callman is the issue of identity.
Callman is a simple yet complex tale. It is not traditionally entertaining. It is not an action packed film. There are no fast cars or fist fights. The story is told from the perspective of a little boy (Timus). Timus has an unusual fassination with the Callman (Joon). Timus believes Joon has special powers because Joon is always there in times of crisis. Joon saves Timus’s life and also the life of Timus’s sister. Yet, Timus experience a traumatic event and has to come to the realisation that Callman will not always be there for him in times of need.
The film Callman will not be in everybody’s taste. It is rated very highly amongst film critics but if you prefer action packed films or crazy comedy, this film is not for you. It is a dramatic film but not very fast moving. It is everything that is not typically Hollywood.
Perhaps one of the most refreshing things about Callman is the balance one finds in this film. The characters are all very ‘normal’ people. They are not superheroes with powers or secret agents of some kind. They are not rich. In fact many are dirt poor. Most of them are white and living under the Verwoerd regime. Yet despite living under apartheid, they are not really rich people. And yes, of course the issue of racism is confronted. And yes, Timus lives in a racist society. Yet, there is also another side to society under apartheid that gets the attention it deserves. There is lots of mutual respect and tolerance. There is humility. Yet is dualism and ambivalence, and it just goes to show again where South Africa as a nation has come from.
The film Callman is a very enjoyable film, but only consider it if you are interested in dramatic films and art films, and perhaps South African society under apartheid and specifically HF Verwoerd. Although I would not classify Callman as an art film, it borders on that classification as it is not a ‘typical’ approach. It doesn’t completely lack structure though, which is why one cannot just file it in the cabinet of post-modernism. Despite the lack of a strong storyline, Callman is has strong motives in what I like to call a decentralised plot.
For those interested in Afrikaans culture, the film is of course a must see. It could become a well-known reference point. Again, one has to stretch the point, many individuals will possibly not enjoy Callman, the Afrikaans film with its English subtitles. Thus, as usual, I can only speak for myself when I make my final judgements and I comfortably give this film the very biased mark of 8/10.
In South Africa today security plays a vital part in any business or private home. This book and the volumes to follow, will guide you step by step through the essential precautionary measures to be taken in protecting your family and valuables. From employing security guards, evacuation of your site and security measures to burglar bars and alarms in your private home.
a Book compiled by me from experience gained after 10 years in the security industry as Industrial relations officer with Nosa qualifications, 1st Aid, fire protection and also S.O.B. grade A.
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