Moffie

When 18-year-old Nicholas joins the military in South Africa during the time of apartheid, he has to hide his homosexual orientation as the army’s macho culture is rife with homophobia. The vibrant cinematography sheds an intense light on Nicholas’ blossoming feelings. 

Just like his peers Nicholas is enrolled in the army, officially to fight against rising communism, but for the young conscripts the enemy has a different name: they have to protect the apartheid regime  from the ‘swart gevaar’. Ruthless African sergeant Brand mentally and physically prepares the recruits for the Border War with Angola. 

‘Moffie’ is an African insult for gays and all men that do not fit into the picture of the strong, white South African. The word is casually used, yet it is hardly a secret that young men will have to carry the consequences of their acts if they are caught together. Nicholas is fully aware that in order to survive, he has to remain ‘invisible’.