Northern Cape story takes centre stage as ‘Variations on a Theme’ wins big at Joburg Film Festival

A quiet, deeply human story from one of South Africa’s most overlooked regions has captured the spotlight at this year’s Joburg Film Festival.

The film Variations on a Theme, directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, walked away with the Best African Film award at the 2026 Gala Awards, a major recognition for a film rooted in the everyday struggles and resilience of a small Northern Cape community.

But beyond the trophy, the film is being celebrated for something far more powerful: giving voice to stories that rarely reach the big screen.

A story about waiting and enduring

At the heart of Variations on a Theme lies the fictional story of Hettie, an elderly goat herder living in the Kharkamss community.

Her life takes a painful turn when she falls victim to a scam promising long-overdue compensation linked to her father’s service during World War II.

The money never arrives.

Instead, the promise becomes a symbol of false hope — something that many vulnerable communities across South Africa know all too well.

As Hettie waits for a payment that will never come, the disruptions surrounding her approaching 80th birthday begin to threaten the independence she has fought to hold onto for decades.

The story may be fictional, but according to the filmmakers, its roots lie firmly in reality.

A reflection of real injustices

Delmar explained that the narrative draws directly from experiences reported in communities across the Northern Cape, where scams targeting elderly residents have been an ongoing problem.

Although the film tells a fictional story, its message reflects a pattern that continues to affect vulnerable communities.

“The film is structured like variations on a theme,” Delmar explained, pointing out how exploitation often repeats itself in slightly different forms.

The title itself hints at that cycle — a recurring pattern where historical injustices and modern scams intersect, leaving communities caught in a loop of waiting and disappointment.

The power of storytelling as activism

Films at this year’s Joburg Film Festival carried a strong thread of social commentary, and Variations on a Theme fits squarely into that tradition.

According to Jacobs, South Africa has a long history of using storytelling — especially in theatre and film — as a form of political and social expression.

For him, the project is part of that legacy.

“We carry the responsibility to continue the lineage of storytellers who want to make a difference,” he said.

In that sense, the film is more than entertainment. It’s also a conversation starter about inequality, historical memory and the way exploitation evolves over time.

Why the Northern Cape matters on screen

For Jacobs, who is originally from the Northern Cape, bringing this story to life was also about putting the region on the cinematic map.

Despite being South Africa’s largest province, the Northern Cape is rarely represented in mainstream films.

The province is known for its vast landscapes — from the dramatic beauty of the Kalahari Desert to the powerful waters of Augrabies Falls and the famous wildflower blooms of Namaqualand.

But beyond the scenery lies a complex history shaped by migration, displacement and resilience.

Jacobs believes these stories deserve global attention.

“The Northern Cape presents a landscape and a people that are not often seen in the global space,” he said.

A win that belongs to a whole community

For the team behind the film, simply completing the project was already a milestone.

Producer Annemarie du Plessis reflected on the journey the film has taken — from international screenings to finally returning home for recognition in Johannesburg.

She described the award as a shared victory for everyone involved in bringing the story to life.

Film production in South Africa can be challenging, but du Plessis hopes the success of Variations on a Theme inspires both young and experienced storytellers to keep pursuing their ideas.

“There are challenges,” she said, “but there are also creative ways to solve them.”

A growing moment for South African cinema

The win also highlights the growing influence of South African cinema on the continent and internationally.

In recent years, local filmmakers have increasingly turned their attention to stories grounded in community realities rather than blockbuster spectacle.

That shift has resonated with audiences hungry for authentic narratives.

And if the response to Variations on a Theme is anything to go by, films that blend personal storytelling with social reflection are striking a powerful chord.

For Jacobs and Delmar, the message is simple: South Africa is filled with untold stories — and the world is finally starting to listen.

Source: IOL

Featured Image: X{@BcastinAfrica}

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