© The Star Film Company

Hearts as muscles can be trained. In Imran Hamdulay's film, a young father from a violent family background, starts with the training.

After violently assaulting a man and discovering that the victim also has a son, he learns two things: Forgiveness cannot be bought but only dwell from mutual understanding. Facing future needs facing justice as well.

With beautiful and realistic cinematography and Afrikaans rap music the director opens the doors to the little-known world and culture of Capetown outskirts where violence and poverty rub shoulders with friendship, loyalty and love. With some chance to find a gym for hearts.

Festivals

The Ecumenical Jury of the 75th Berlinale awarded its prizes to "The Blue Trail" by Gabriel Mascaro from Brazil (International Competition), "The Heart is a Muscle" by Imran Hamdulay from South Africa (Panorama) and "Holding Liat" by Brandon Kramer from the USA (Forum). The Golden Bear went to the Norwegian film "Dreams" by Dag Johan Haugerud.

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