heart and hustle

In a landmark move for South African independent cinema, Hartzenberg Films has secured a major exhibition agreement with Ster-Kinekor. This partnership will bring the Heart & Hustle anthology to select screens nationwide from 27 November to 7 December 2025.

Spearheaded by award-winning filmmaker Enrico Hartzenberg, this collaboration represents a pivotal shift for local storytelling. By bypassing traditional barriers, the project gives a national platform to underrepresented voices and gritty, authentic narratives often overlooked by mainstream cinema.

A Victory for Local Culture “We’re thrilled to support emerging talent such as Enrico and Hartzenberg Films,” says Lynne Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer of Ster-Kinekor. “Screening local films is vital to keeping the culture of cinema-going alive in South Africa, and we’re proud to showcase stories that reflect the richness and complexity of our communities.”

Inside the Anthology The collection is anchored by Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel, a tense drama set on the Cape Flats. It follows Charles, a man seeking redemption after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit, only to find his family home seized by his betrayer. Transcending typical genre tropes, it is a story of legacy and love.

The anthology also features three acclaimed short films:

Sister Dinges: A grief-fueled revenge tale told through a queer lens.

After Quiet: A reflective exploration of silence, memory, and healing.

Mr. Isaacs: A powerful examination of masculinity and generational trauma.

Dates and Locations The anthology premieres on 27 November 2025. Following the launch, Enrico Hartzenberg will host exclusive Q&A sessions at the following venues:

Cape Town: V&A Waterfront (Premiere, 27 Nov)

Gqeberha: Baywest (30 Nov)

George: Garden Route Mall (02 Dec)

Johannesburg: Rosebank Nouveau (04 Dec)