Material - changing generations

Last week we went on a rare family outing to the movies – it’s not very cool to go with your parents but luckily my kids can still be persuaded, every now and then. This occasion was the much talked about local movie, Material starring Riaad Moosa. Moosa is a doctor-turned-comedian who feels a bit like family, since we know who his parents are and where he comes from.  We are proud that he is doing well, although he must raise some eyebrows in the community – “wasting” his medical education to be on the stage – which is why the story was even more noteworthy.

The story of a young Indian Muslim man breaking away from tradition to do something which is so foreign to his father and what he believes in is one that spans many cultures and generations.  The story is a familiar one:  Cassiem Kaif is expected to take over the family business (working in his father’s material shop) but wants to perform in a comedy club (something he enjoys doing and would like the opportunity to explore).

We all want our children to have what we didn’t (like education and opportunity) and so they inevitably turn out differently from the way we did. Then follows the need to reconcile our views with the way they see things. It’s less about holding rigidly onto our principles and more about allowing change and growth. The movie certainly struck a chord with me, having  two children who are growing up worlds apart from the way I did.

It’s a warm-hearted movie from the meditative images of men walking to mosque and preparing for early morning prayers right through to the resolution of a family feud and the happy ending. There was enough humour and drama in it to satisfy all of us. See it.

Material is a Ster Kinekor release and is still on the circuit.