"Fiela Se Kind" gridns an acclaimed South African novel
In the hands of award-winning author and filmmaker Brett Michael Innes, the classic South African novel 'Fiela se Kind' has been transformed into a captivating film adaptation. The story, originally penned by Dalene Matthee, revolves around a coloured woman named Fiela who finds a white toddler on her doorstep in 1890s Southern Africa and raises him as her own.
Innes' adaptation uses wood as a guiding element and symbol, representing strength, flexibility, growth, and expansion. This is evident in the forests of Knysna, portrayed as characters that seamlessly surround the characters, guiding the film's narrative.
Spanning over 20 years, the film adaptation, directed by Innes himself, focuses on the storyline between Fiela and Benjamin, giving it more time to develop. This decision was made to emphasize the love story between the two characters, a key aspect of the novel that resonates most with audiences.
To make the story more coherent and focused, Innes chose to exclude certain storylines from the film, such as Benjamin's relationship with Nina or his experience as an adult on the ocean. However, the film does not stray far from the core plot, carefully unfolding the storyline about the stolen and returned child.
While the film adaptation remains faithful to the source material's major plot points and setting, it shifts from deep internal character narratives and literary nuance to a visually-driven medium that emphasizes dramatization and accessibility. This transformation inevitably leads to some condensation of characters, themes, and psychological depth present in Matthee’s original novel.
For instance, the film might streamline character portrayals for clarity and pacing, potentially making some characters appear less complex or one-dimensional compared to their literary depiction. Innes' adaptation also explores aspects of Fiela's character that have never been approached in previous adaptations, emphasizing her humanity and her wrongdoings.
Innes' decision to reduce the number of first-person voices in the adaptation from three to two, focusing on Fiela and Benjamin, was a strategic move to create a more cohesive narrative. The international market may struggle to process white Afrikaans narratives as African, but 'Fiela se Kind' appeals equally to both a white and brown Afrikaans audience.
Innes' adaptation of 'Fiela se Kind' is a testament to his skill as a storyteller, offering a unique perspective on a timeless tale. The film is a must-watch for fans of the novel and a great introduction for those new to this captivating story.
The captivating film adaptation of 'Fiela se Kind' by Brett Michael Innes, delves into the realms of lifestyle and entertainment, offering a visually stunning interpretation of the beloved novel. Simultaneously, it serves as an education-and-self-development piece, subtly exploring aspects of Fiela's character that have never been approached before.
