Film News South Africa

New film on mass murder of SA farmers

In South Africa there are an estimated 38 000 commercial farmers, but since 1991 more than 3000 of them have been violently murdered. In his film, "War of the Flea", Rian van der Walt explores South Africa's bloody past and how it has affected modern day society, trying to understand these senseless attacks, where there is little or no relation between the violent murders and the obvious motives for the crimes.
New film on mass murder of SA farmers

Farmers fearing for their lives and their land, feel abandoned by the government. In a country where the murder rate is 34.6/100 000 people, compared to the US rate of 6/100 000 people, violent crime is an everyday occurrence. In this feature length film, Van der Walt will embark on a journey to meet the victims and those left behind. He stands next to blood-splattered walls and bears witness to the multitudes of graves of murdered farmers.

How do we feed our nation?

Experts who have studied the psychology of murder and violence will share their insights as to why the degree of violence and torture is so different to other violent crimes. As food security becomes an ever-increasing problem, more pressure is placed on farmers, who are directly responsible for our food production. One farmer dies, and many are left without jobs. One farmer dies, and South Africa has one less food producer. Lack of security on farms, land transformation and unstable, flammable political leadership are aggravators to an already complicated problem. If we lose our farmers, how do we feed our nation? Do we really want to find out?

The trailer, which is extremely graphic and not advised for sensitive viewers, can be seen at http://youtu.be/iKLsi7iNzvg.

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