WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: Al Wat Ek Weet — a local film’s heartfelt message about adolescent mental health

Al Wat Ek Weet, a heartfelt and playful portrait of teenage grief and emotional vulnerability, has just hit cinemas. Written and directed by Devon Delmar and Jason Jacobs, the film adaptation of Marita van der Vyver's young adult novel focuses on Gabriel Lombard, a seventeen-year-old boy grappling with trauma, heritage, and romance.

Gabriel's journey begins with a tragic loss in the family, setting the stage for a coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of heritage and emotional expression. The film captures Cape Town through a whimsical adolescent lens, showcasing the city's beauty and vibrancy from an outsider's perspective.

The narrative unfolds through surreal motifs, such as Gabriel's four-part brass band, symbolizing his bottled-up trauma. The film uses a mix of comedy and poignant moments to convey Gabriel's emotional growth, with Jonan Mouton delivering a reserved and understated performance as the socially awkward protagonist.

Al Wat Ek Weet brings attention to the importance of mental health and self-expression, especially among boys. The film emphasizes the significance of opening up conversations to protect youth from real harm. While the film acknowledges the presence of crime in South African life, it also aims to paint a hopeful picture of local life, featuring a colorful and joyful depiction of teenage experiences. Al Wat Ek Weet opens in cinemas on 30 October.