Exploring Life and Legacy in "Variations on a Theme"

"Variations on a Theme," directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, is a poignant exploration of the life of 79-year-old Hettie Farmer, a goatherd in the Kharkams village of South Africa. The film intertwines personal narratives with broader themes of historical injustice, particularly focusing on the legacy of racial discrimination and governmental neglect faced by black South Africans.

‘Variations on a Theme’ Review: A Woman Stares at Goats — and Looks Back on a Life — in Lovely, Lyrical Rotterdam Winner

The film opens with a prologue that highlights the unjust treatment of black soldiers like Hettie's father, Petrus, who returned from World War II to minimal recognition and support. While white veterans were rewarded with land and livestock, black veterans received little more than a bicycle and boots. This historical context sets the stage for Hettie's current struggles, as she grapples with the socio-economic repercussions of this legacy.

‘Variations on a Theme’ Review: A Woman Stares at Goats — and Looks Back on a Life — in Lovely, Lyrical Rotterdam Winner

Hettie Farmer, portrayed by Jacobs' own grandmother, embodies the resilience of her community. Widowed and accustomed to solitude, Hettie faces pressure from her children to leave Kharkams, a place filled with memories and ghosts of her past. The film also features other local characters, including a hairdresser and various neighbors, who collectively reflect the village's spirit and struggles.

‘Variations on a Theme’ Review: A Woman Stares at Goats — and Looks Back on a Life — in Lovely, Lyrical Rotterdam Winner

Hettie's participation in a government reparations scheme intended for the descendants of black veterans underscores the ongoing impact of historical injustices. Despite the scheme being a scam, Hettie's willingness to engage with it illustrates her hope for recognition and compensation, even as she remains accustomed to waiting for better days that may never come.

‘Variations on a Theme’ Review: A Woman Stares at Goats — and Looks Back on a Life — in Lovely, Lyrical Rotterdam Winner

The film has been recognized for its artistic merit, winning the top prize in the Tiger Competition at the Rotterdam festival. Critics have praised its lyrical storytelling and the way it captures the essence of marginalized communities in South Africa. The directors aim to elevate the representation of such communities in cinema, following their previous work, "Carissa."

‘Variations on a Theme’ Review: A Woman Stares at Goats — and Looks Back on a Life — in Lovely, Lyrical Rotterdam Winner

While the film portrays Hettie's resilience, it also highlights the harsh reality of scams targeting vulnerable populations. Hettie and her neighbors find themselves caught in a web of bureaucracy and false promises, reflecting the ongoing exploitation of marginalized communities.

‘Variations on a Theme’ Review: A Woman Stares at Goats — and Looks Back on a Life — in Lovely, Lyrical Rotterdam Winner

Following its success at the Rotterdam festival, there is hope that "Variations on a Theme" will gain further exposure and distribution, potentially paving the way for more stories from underrepresented communities in South African cinema. The film's lyrical sensibility and focus on local customs may resonate with a broader audience, contributing to a richer understanding of the region's complexities.

‘Variations on a Theme’ Review: A Woman Stares at Goats — and Looks Back on a Life — in Lovely, Lyrical Rotterdam Winner