A group of unlikely characters come together to do the stage play of their lives. Under the lead of the faithful and dreamful Piet, this group consisting of elders from the old age home needs to find a way to not only put together and act out this play, but to get past the all controlling Sara, who runs the old age home with an iron fist. It is a classic story of the value of each individual person and how even the least expected person can truly contribute to a team. Rich in its humour and old age home story details, this story touches not only the elder of our society — but indeed all to understand and appreciate those we come from and the value they indeed do have. Bringing life to what is seen as old bones, award winning director and writer Desmond Denton has initiated this film.

“Old people- sometimes called ‘Oumense’ in mitigating circumstances when they do not understand the new world. ‘Old people’ as an excuse when they slow down stumbling progress with short shuffle steps. ‘Old people’ as an indication of a clumsy accident that lumpy joints can not master in stiffness. ‘Old people’ as a joke when the cup and hand trembled trying to point the way. ‘Old people’ as an accusation when ‘out-of-the-old-and-in-the-new’ fashion starts.
The curtain drops and I just sit there. Guilty without being charged. My sentence, affirmed as if by slamming that big wooden hammer into the fist of a blindfolded judge …, “YOU WILL BECOME OLD”. Then the prospect looms like a shy winter sun. Faint but full of promise of life in the cold season.
Beyond the Silence does not turn cloths. I’m going to get old. Yes, I’m going to be an ‘Old Man’. But an ‘Old Man’ with a choice. A choice to tackle the last years on earth full of joy. To decorate the mantlepiece, even if it is in a dry arrangement. A sentence with mitigating circumstances that I pronounce on myself.

When Beyond the Silence’s curtains fell, mine opened. I know it could be a story full of accusations. Full of reproach. Shame. A story that, like a coal miner, dug up the forgotten souls until we all perished from sticky black tar in our hearts, our lungs, and our eyes. Yes. That story is still there. But not here. Not today.
Beyond the Silence. ” Review dear jacobus Hendrickse from focus media

“I had the pleasure of watching the drama: Beyond the Silence by Desmond Denton, at The shed in Kleinmond over the holidays.

The film kicks off with a wonderful collage of photos that tell a story in themselves. It takes you on an emotional and nostalgic journey that draws you into the screen. And by the time the first character makes her appearance, it feels to you as if you are sitting next to her on her bed, meditating back on your life. Of course, it is not long and the lighter side of the story emerges as the rest of the characters make their appearance. The cream of Afrikaans actors and actresses make their appearance and perform their roles fantastically, to the point where you feel like you are going to visit your grandmother or grandfather at home. Of course, typical of Denton’s style, he likes to capture you and draw you into his fairy tale story where he subtly touches tender points while entertaining you. I am definitely not close to the age of retirement yet, but still I have decided that I never want to lose my childhood due to my age. May I be just as naughty as Gawie.” Rudolph Faurie, writer, actor and assistant director.

“The idea of ​​growing old or retiring in a nursing home is a direction in which we do not want to send our thoughts – negative images that run down our spines with cold shivers. Beyond Silence gives hope and proves our negative conclusions wrong. As one experiences light and dark at any age – it is your decision whether you will be bitter and whether you will laugh. It is a free choice that belongs to each of us. Beyond the Silence’s characters depict the part of being human.
ʼn Film by award-winning director Desmond Denton with colorful characters played by well-known and seasoned South African actors. The film won awards at the 2012 Monaco International Film Festival for, among others, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Film Producer as well as Best Supporting Female Actor.
Sara (Joeye de Koker) is the Margaret Thatcher of the Monte Rosa nursing home and not a single whisper or pinch in the dark escapes her falcon eyes and iron hand. When Piet (Johan Botha) comes across an advertisement from the Klein Lenteteater, he does not keep him waiting to call the old age home’s souls on commando. They weave a play together that brings their sweetness to life behind closed doors and by candlelight. It is natural to be able to transgress the laws of the Transvaal under Sara without the consequences of execution.

When Miss Campbell (Annemari Blanckenberg) gets a sniff in the nose and threatens to bring everything to light, she is manipulated by Piet and Gawie (Andre Rossouw). She finds a note in place of her beloved bunnies that she has slyly kept in her room: ‘Don’t say a word !!! I have got your Hasies !! ‘

Beyond Silence not only has a sense of humor, but also depicts the sadness of life when Johanna (Hannetjie Smit) gives up her lifelong companion to death. But she finds new hope when she gets involved in the play. Nina played by Lida Botha is a retired nurse, but also finds that she still adds value to the people around her and that one can still fall in love even if you have gray hair. And Gawie makes your toes curl with laughter when he ‘wets’ the old age home’s garden.

Beyond the Silence is a stage and a microphone for all the silent words that are forgotten in old age homes and make you look forward to old age with hope.”
Margaret Lotz, Actress and Writer