The final film for FilmClub’s pilot season at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg is Un Homme Qui Crie (A Screaming Man), directed by Mahamet-Saleh Haroun. The film is being screened on November 17.

A Screaming Man is the third film by the Chadian film-maker that FilmClub has shown and, on this evidence, he is undoubtedly one of the great talents in contemporary African cinema.

Haroun’s films frequently focus on troubled relationships between fathers and sons, and A Screaming Man is no exception. Set in Haroun’s native Chad, against the backdrop of one of the interminable and virtually indistinguishable civil conflicts that have plagued that country for three decades, the film shows inter-generational tensions leading to a tragic act of betrayal.

Former swimming champion Adam and his son Abdel have an affectionately competitive relationship until Adam is sacked from his job as a hotel pool-attendant, and sees, with considerable bitterness, his son take his place.

Haroun is emerging as one of Africa’s most accomplished film-makers, and his visually sophisticated and emotionally powerful film has been widely praised, winning the Jury prize at Cannes in 2010, as well as being nominated for the Palme d’Or.

As usual, entry is R35 per person and The Tatham Coffee shop will be offering a soup and bread supper from 6 pm onwards (at a very reasonable R30 per person). Safe parking is available in the government parking lot next to the gallery in Chief Albert Luthuli Street.

Alliance Français, Pietermaritzburg and the Institut Français Afrique du Sud will once again sponsor every ticket holder to a free drink of their choice before the show. The drinks will, of course, be served by the Cafe Tatham.

Says Anton van der Hoven, convenor of FilmClub: “Tonight’s film is the final instalment in our pilot season which, thanks to your support, has been a great success. Our hope and plan, therefore, is to return in February next year with a new season of world cinema. I will be in touch as soon as our plans have been finalised.”