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Contents 1. Film Information2. Synopsis3. Director’s Statment4. Production Note5. Key Biographies6. Production Stills7. Credits

For further information, please contact

Producer:ZukrafinRonnie Aptekerronnie@is.co.za+27 11 575 0999 (office)

International SalesVideovision EntertainmentSanjeev Singhsanjeev@videovision.co.za+27 31 204 6000 (office)

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Film Information Title: MATERIALFormat: 35 mmAudio: Dolby DigitalLength: 93 minutes

1.Writer/Director: Craig Freimond

2. Producers: Ronnier Apteker Robbie Thorpe

3. Executive Producers: Tendeka Matatu Ivan Epstein Stephen Cohen Anant Singh 4.Co-Producers: Akin Omotso Kgomotso Matsunyane

5. International Sales: Videovision Entertainment

6.Key Cast: Vincent Ebrahim (The Kumars at No.42) Riaad Moosa (Long Walk to Freedom) Joey Rasdien (Bunny Chow) Denise Newman (Shirley Adams, Disgrace)

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Synopsis Logline: “Life is not a funny business”

CASSIM is a young Muslim man working in his father’s (EBRAHIM) textile store. It’s Ebrahim’s dream for Cassim to take over the shop, but Cassim has discovered a talent for stand-up comedy, and he soon finds himself in direct conflict with his father, his family and his community.

Synopsis:Cassim Kaif is a young Muslim man who works in his father’s (Ebrahim Kaif) fabric shop. It is Ebrahim’s dream for Cassim to take over the shop. The shop is not in a great part of town and is battling to survive. Ebrahim is embroiled in a thirty-year feud with his brother over a matter of political principle, while the brothers new shop has flourished Ebrahim’s shop is struggling. This increases Ebrahim’s need for Cassim to take over the shop and make a success of it.

Meanwhile....

Cassim has discovered that he has a talent for stand-up comedy. He’s funny and those in the know tell him he has the talent to go far. He doesn’t know what this all means, all he knows is that he loves it and wants to pursue it. The problem is he hasn’t told his father about this other life.

When Ebrahim finds out about the stand up comedy, Cassim finds himself in direct conflict with his father, his family and his community. His father demands that he make a choice.

Material is a warm, funny and emotional look at the struggles of a Muslim family facing the modern world, exploring, destiny, responsibility and what family really means. The film is entirely set in the Indian enclave of Forsdburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Director’s Statement

Eight years ago, after meeting comedian Riaad Moosa and hearing his life story, I set out to make a film about a young Muslim man who wanted to be a stand-up comedian.  I wanted the film to be about an individual trying to balance his own dreams against the expectations of his family and his community. As part of my research I spent many months in the historic Muslim enclave of Fordsburg, Johannesburg. This was an area that had been completely shaped by the political history of South Africa, caught up in the forced removals of the early seventies, the community had been torn apart emotionally and geographically. As a result contemporary Fordsburg felt like a bastion of tradition reluctantly being infiltrated by the 21st century. In short, a unique setting for the film.  Like Fordsburg, the central family needed to be in a state of flux, a traditional Muslim family being infiltrated by modern urban life and all its idiosyncrasies. I wanted, Riaad Moosa to play the lead (CASSIM), he has all the qualities of a star and it was his story, but I knew that it would require a strong supporting cast to make the film excel. In the end I was fortunate in attracting a unique ensemble, comedians like Joey Rasdien (YUSUF) together with veteran actors like Denise Newman (FATIMA) and London based actor, Vincent Ebrahim who plays the father (EBRAHIM). Originally from South Africa but best known for his role in the “Kumars at No. 42”,

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Vincent drew on his own personal experience to create a far richer, complex and layered character to the one I had originally written, his performance combined with Riaad’s are the heart and soul of the film. Finally, it was important that the film be both funny and poignant, for the audience to laugh and to cry, and for those forces to work together in a film that is authentically South African. I certainly believe MATERIAL has achieved some of these aspirations and I hope you love it.  Craig Freimond - Johannesburg, August 2012

Production Note

Q&A with Producer Ronnie Apteker

Q: When did you first meet Riaad Moosa, and what was the first thing he said that made you laugh?

A: I met Riaad on stage in Cool Runnings in December of 2001. I was getting guidance from John Vlismas and that Sunday night is when the first seeds were sown. John was a champion. My comedy set went down good - not fantastic, but good - Riaad, John, Bevan, Tshepo, Darren, they were all on the bill - it was an adrenalin filled night. Riaad hit himself with the microphone on his head and fell down on the stage. My mother and brother were there that night. The whole thing was magical. Riaad made me feel right at home. I could see a warm and talented man, who was kind and sensitive. Everyone said so many funny things. I can't remember the first thing he said that made me laugh, but when he fell down on the stage with that one gag he prepared, I thought "Boy, he is one brave guy."

Q: What did you say to make him laugh?

A: I wish I could remember. I was so nervous. I have done so many corporate presentations and public speaking functions, but, this was my first time trying out a stand-up comedy event. They all made me laugh that night. I remember Tshepo's one line - he said, "What do you call a blow job from a midget?" "A low job." Riaad also did magic tricks back then. He trained at the Magic College in Cape Town. His first comedy gigs had magic tricks and he was just hypnotic to watch. I can’t remember what I said to make him laugh. Perhaps it was something along the lines of "Hey, do you want to make a movie one day."

Q: What do you think makes Riaad stand out as a standup?

A: So many of the comedians in South Africa are fantastic. And most of them have a unique style and approach, and it is amazing to see how comedy in South Africa, like sports, has become a valued exercise. But, with each step forward into the bigger picture, with each monetary advancement, so do egos swell, and attitudes grow. But not Dr. Riaad Moosa. His humility and compassion is inspiring. And his warmth and sensitivity refreshing. He is a professional artist whose heart, and head, are in the right place. Also, like Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld, Riaad's comedy is clean and sharp. It does not offend anyone, and his jokes about Indians are akin to Jackie Mason's jokes about Jewish culture. In short: Riaad is universal in his appeal, and a pleasure to work with.

Q: Where did the idea to make a movie about Riaad come from?

A: Carl Fischer at M-Net handed me a rough cut of Gums & Noses to watch and I was amazed at what the film making team had created here. Craig Freimond knows how to tell a story, and he understands about character development. Carl then gave me Craig's number and we met.

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From there we got to know each other and Craig went to watch Riaad perform his special brand of magic. I had a vision and also, I had written a short story about Riaad's life. This became the foundation for the movie we are making now. Craig then spent 7 years with Riaad, Robbie, myself, and a host of others, writing and refining this beautiful and magical script. Craig deserves all the credit that is coming his way - this has been a true labour of love, and a fantastic collaboration.

Q: Why was Riaad's profession changed from medical doctor in the script from the movie?

A: Craig argued, rightfully so, that the script had become too big, too complicated, too all over the place. The best things in life are simple. There is genius in simplicity. It takes real talent, and effort, to be simple. Like that old saying goes "I would send you a shorter mail but I don't have time."

Q: How much of the movie is a true story?

A: The story was inspired by Riaad Moosa. The central conflict was made up, but it was underpinned by real world pressures. It is not accepted for a Muslim to go into a bar - it is considered Haraam. The story has been embellished, but its essence is true.

Q: Do you see any connections or similarities between Riaad's story of growing up and finding his "purpose", and your own story?

A: I believe that the reason this film feels so right, so pure, is because of this exact question you ask here. Riaad is a man with a purpose, and I have been driven here by a strong sense of purpose. We are all doing what we do best, and together, we form a focused machine. Now, the question is, will this machine produce something magical in the end? If it does, then the similarities were all written in the stars.

Q: What's the most enjoyable part of making a movie?

A: Well, my work here is not easy. The most enjoyable thing will be if we get it right. For the rest of it, I am biting the nails of the guy sitting next to me. The pressure is overwhelming, and the stakes are sky high. I do love the creative process and I feel inspired like never before. But, I can't say I enjoy it. To enjoy something you have to be well rested, calm and relaxed, and I don't sleep much at the moment. But, I do love what we are doing here, it is just not easy on the soul.

Q: What's the part of making a movie that you like the least?

A: Losing money. Next question please.

Q: What's the secret of making a successful movie?

A: You need to be lucky. It is a gamble, anyway you look at it. It all starts with the script. If the script is bad the film will be bad. But a good script does not guarantee a good movie. The secret, like with all ventures, are the people. I am confident to say that we have the best piece of screen writing to come out of SA in a long, long time and the most humble and inspired team. On paper it all looks good, but still, we need some luck to get us over the finish line in pole position.

Q: In what ways would you say making a movie is similar to starting a business?

A: An independent film (ie, a non-studio sanctioned movie) is a start-up venture. It is a venture where a product is created and then that product needs to be marketed and sold. That is the nature of all business ventures.

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Q: You used to hang out in Fordsburg during your student days...has it changed much?

A: The world has changed so much. I never remember there being cell phones back then.

Q: What's the Big Message of the movie?

A: That the world will conspire to reward you, if you follow what is in your heart.

Q: How "hands on" are you as the producer of a movie?

A: I am not sure what this word "producer" means. So many people use this term for all the wrong things. A guy who is hired by an advertising agency to make a TV commercial refers to himself as a producer. A producer in the world of independent film making is an entrepreneur. And that's what I am here - I am the entrepreneur behind the film. And, I am so hands on you would not believe it. The project was, after all, my vision originally. The story and the script developed, and Craig, Robbie, along with Riaad and a few others, became the custodians of the creative vision, but I was involved at every step. Craig is the leader of the creative vision – this film is his baby – the buck stops with him on every turn. I am the commercial leader of the film, but I am also involved with the creative process each and every day. And together with Robbie, we make up the partnership that is driving the ship, along with Allison, and the rest of the crew at Tom Pictures.

Q: What does the producer of a movie actually do, exactly?

A: Beg people. And toss and turn. And pray.

Q: What did it take to persuade Vincent Ebrahim to star in the movie?

A: Some chutzpah helped, some grace definitely played a role, and humility and honesty worked wonders. But, the key was the script. Vincent is a smart man, and he knew the script was a winner when he read it. And then, ultimately, he could see that Craig was the real deal.

Q: Where does the material in Material come from...is it all Riaad's own material?

A: Good question! And yes, Riaad is the captain of that particular ship. Craig however directs, changes and vets all of this.

Q: How much of a "Materialist" are you, when it comes to writing material for Material...in other words, did you contribute to the script in any way?

A: I wrote the original story that the script is based on. And, a few years ago, Craig and I drank a vodka together, looked each other in the eye and then threw the script away. We started again. There were no sacred cows here - just a sacred vision. The script evolved, and Craig is the man who made this happen – the script is his work. We all helped shape this, but Craig is the master.

Q: How would you sum up the state of the South African movie industry at the moment?

A: There seem to be so many local movies being made. Perhaps a local film industry is finally on the horizon.

Q: What are your hopes for Material?

A: Is that a rhetorical question?

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Key Biographies WRITER/DIRECTORCraig Freimond completed his drama degree at Wits University in 1988.

Since then he has worked as a writer and director in theatre, television and film. In 2004 Craig wrote and directed his first feature film “Gums & Noses” which was adapted from his play of the same name. “Gums & Noses” won the Apollo film festival award for best feature in 2004. His play “The King of Laughter” won three Naledi awards in 2004, including best new play, best director and best supporting actor. His most recent television work was co-creating and directing two seasons of the improvised comedy series “Sorted”.

In 2009 Craig wrote and directed his second feature film “Jozi”, a comedy about the highs and lows of life in Johannesburg. “Jozi” was very well received and strengthen Craig’s reputation as a comedic director. In the same year Craig directed death of a colonist for the stage. Most recently Craig wrote and directed “Material” the story of a young Muslim man who works in his father’s material shop but dreams of being a stand-up comedian.

DIRECTOR FILMOGRAPHYMaterial (feature) 2012Jozi (feature) 2009Gums & Noses (feature) 2004Sorted Season 2 (13 TV Episodes) 2007Sorted Season 1 (13 TV Episodes) 2006Scoop Schoomie 2 (10 TV Episodes) 2001Scoop Schoomie 1 (26 TV Episodes) 2002Not Quite Friday Night (2 TV Seasons) 1996

PRODUCERRonnie Apteker was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1967 and attended high school and university in Johannesburg where he graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Witwatersrand with an M.Sc in Computer Science in 1994.

Apteker founded the country's first Internet service provider in 1993. Internet Solutions (IS) has been one of South Africa's most successful post-apartheid businesses, employing over 1000 people and winning numerous technology awards.

Ronnie has authored a number of papers that have been published both locally and internationally. In February 1994, Ronnie was invited to present a paper in San Jose, California on Distributed Multimedia at the annual meeting of the International Society for Optical Engineering. This paper was subsequently published in the SPIE/IEEE proceedings. Apteker is the author of TRADING SPACES and co-author, with Jeremy Ord, of DO YOU LOVE IT IN THE MORNINGS? Apteker often writes for the newspapers and his last book, co-authored with Gus Silber, called FUNNY BUSINESS, came out at the end of 2010. Apteker sponsored and produced the successful Laugh Out Loud fundraiser in 2002.

He has also been involved in 12 film productions over the past 12 years. Apteker also sits on various boards and committees within South Africa and is involved in many charity organizations and fundraising initiatives.

Apteker is an entrepreneur at heart and is currently involved with a host of online initiatives. His latest film project, which started in 2004, is called Material (www.materialmovie.com), and it was inspired by the life of Dr. Riaad Moosa.

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PRODUCER FILMOGRAPHY

Black South-Easter Executive Producer 2012Material Writer/Producer 2012 The Rise of the Reeker Executive Producer 2008Gangster Paradise; Jerusalema Executive Producer 2008 Footskating 101 Producer 2007Straigh Outta Benoni Producer 2006The Flyer Executive Producer 2005Reeker Executive Producer 2005Out on A Limb Executive Producer 2005Purpose Writer/Producer 2002

PRODUCERRobbie Thorpe has worked in film and television, firstly as an editor and later as both a producer and a director for over 29 years.

In 2003 Robbie along with Akin Omotoso and Kgomotso matsunyane formed t.o.m. pictures. For T.O.M. pictures Robbie has produced over two hundred hours of television and four feature films. Television includes the Emmy nominated comedy series Sorted and the award winning drama series A Place Called Home. Most recently Robbie produced the feature film Material. Robbie has taught film and television at the newtown film school, monash university, the sabc and most recently at big fish digital film school. He was a founder member of the south African guild of editors (sage) and the producers Alliance (TPA).

PRODUCER FILMOGRAPHY

Material Producer 2012 Man on Ground Co-Producer 2011Jozi Producer 2010 Gums & Noses Producer 2004

ACTORVincent Ebrahim (EMBRAHIM KAIF) is a South African-born British actor best known for his role as Ashwin Kumar, the finance-obsessed father, on the television comedy talk show “The Kumars at No. 42”.

Vincent has also appeared on television in the BBC dramas New Street Law, Clocking Off and Doctors and BBC comedies, Bedtime, The Lenny Henry Show and Meet The Magoon's for Channel 4. He has played the role of Bobby, the disenchanted barman, in the sitcom After You've Gone, since 2007

His feature film credits include, “Material”, Aardman’s “Curse of the were-rabbit” and Shaad Ali’s “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom”

ACTORRiaad Moosa (CASSIM KAIF) is one of South Africa’s most popular, award-winning and innovative comedians; and happens to be a qualified medical doctor as well! Recently, Riaad has also flexed his comedic and dramatic acting muscles, playing the lead in the movie “Material”, which inspired audiences all over South Africa, he is currently playing a lead role in the official Nelson mandela biopic, “Long Walk to Freedom”.

On stage, he conquers new fans on an almost daily basis with sold-out one-man shows such as “Strictly Halaal” and “Riaad Moosa For The Baracka.” Both shows prompted extended runs, as

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well as special shows being created to accommodate the huge public demand. Both shows were also released on DVD.

Riaad has appeared in various TV and film productions, such as “Laugh Out Loud” (SA’s largest standup comedy show in TV history); Riaad was also a writer and performer for SABC 1’s “Pure Monate Show” - which achieved cult status amongst South Africa’s youth. He also featured in the Anant Singh/John Vlismas produced comedy-collective feature film “Outrageous”, which was released at cinemas nationwide towards the end of 2009. Along with SA’s other top comedians - including Trevor Noah, David Kau, John Vlismas, Tumi Morake and Marc Lottering - Riaad was one of the headline acts supporting international superstar Eddie Izzard for the 46664 “It’s No Joke” concert in February 2010.

Riaad has since become a regular presenter of a segment entitled “The Second Opinion – with Dr Riaad Moosa” on the E news channel’s satirical news programme  “Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola.” In March 2011, Riaad was awarded the “Comics Choice Award” at the “1st Annual South African Comic’s Choice Awards.”

ACTORJoey Rasdien (YUSUF) is the face of a new generation of South African comedy. He is instantly recognisable thanks to his appearances in movies such as “Running Riot”, “Bunny Chow”, “Dollars and White Pipes”, as well as the recently released “Material” and currently shooting Blitz Patrollie.

In addition, Rasdien has performed in many major comedy festivals in South Africa and is a regular on the comedy circuit at the country's leading venues. He headlined the most recent Blacks Only Comedy, which played to a capacity crowd of 4,000 people, and he has become a regular performer at the popular Heavyweight Comedy Jams. He also recently starred in the popular Last Laugh at The Lyric and The Pure Monate Show on SABC 1. Joey has also performed at the prestigious comedy venue Yuk Yuks in Toronto.

ACTRESSDenise Newman (FATIMA KAIF) has been a professional actor for more than 30 years. Starting out at the Space Theatre gave her the opportunity to create complex characters that resonated with truth and honesty. With her theatre work she got to work with some of the country’s great writer / directors including ATHOL FUGARD, PIETER DIRK UYS and LARA FOOT.

In 1980 she was cast in her first lead role – CITY LOVERS - adapted for film from a short story by Nadine Gordimer which deals with the subject of love across the colour line in apartheid South Africa.While South Africans never got to see this film, it was screened in Europe, the UK and USA.

Over the years she has moved between theatre, film and television effortlessly, as well as teaching and developing young actors in South Africa.

Recent highlights of her career include: FORGIVENESS directed by Ian Gabriel in 2006; and SEXY GIRLS directed by Russell Thompson in 1997; both of which received best supporting actress nominations at FESPACO.

Her International film credits include THE WHITE LIONESS (Sweden); THE WATERBABY - Sara Sara (Italy). Denise played the title role in SHIRLEY ADAMS directed by OLIVER HERMANUS in 2009, where she received Best Actress Awards at Durban IFF 2009; Reunion IFF2009; Safta (South African Film & Television Awards) 2010; Dubai IFF 2009; Granada (Cinema of the South) 2010; Festival Khouribga Morocco 2010 and JCC – Carthage Film Festival in Tunisia 2010.

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Production Stills

Director - Craig Freimond

L to R: Riaad Moosa (Cassim Kaif) and Vincent Ebrahim (Ebrahim Kaif)

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Director, Craig Freimond behind camera

L to R: Denise Newman (Fatima Kaif) and Vincent Ebrahim (Ebrahim Kaif)

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L to R: Vincent Ebrahim (Ebrahim Kaif) and Riaad Moosa (Cassim Kaif)

L to R: Riaad Moosa (Cassim Kaif) and Zakeeya Patel (Aisha Kaif)

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L to R: Riaad Moosa (Cassim Kaif) and Joey Rasdien (Yusuf)

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Main Credits CAST

Vincent EbrahimRiaad MoosaJoey Rasdien

Denise NewmanKrijay GovenderNik RabinowitzZakeeya Patel

Carishma BasdayRoyston Stoffels

Mel Miller

Original ScoreLizzie Rennie

Sound RecordistPresident Kapa

Production DesignerSue Steele

EditorMegan Gill

Director of PhotographyTrevor Calverley

Line ProducerAllison Forget-Deyes

Associate ProducersGary MilnerAlfie Naidoo

Co ProducersAkin Omotoso

Kgomotso Matsunyane

Executive ProducersSteven CohenIvan Epstein

Tendeka MatatuAnant Singh

ProducersRonnie AptekerRobbie Thorpe

Story byRonnie AptekerRosalind ButlerCraig FreimondRiaad Moosa

Robbie Thorpe

Written and Directed byCraig Freimond

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