Draft:Death of a Whistleblower

Death of a Whistleblower is a 2023 South African investigative thriller film directed by Ian Gabriel and co-written by Ian Gabriel, Kelly-Eve Koopman, Philip Roberts, Marius Scholtz, and Louis Viljoen. The film stars Noxolo Dlamini, Irshaad Ally, Kathleen Stephens, Deon Coetzee, S'Thandiwe Kgoroge, Anthony Oseyemi, and Inez Robertson. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023, and was released on February 28, 2024.

The film opens in 1986 with a young woman, Emma Louw (Inez Robertson), arguing with her boyfriend and fleeing a remote military base. She is captured by soldiers, and her eyes begin to bleed. Fast forward to the present day, Albert Loots (Irshaad Ally), a corporal in the South African military, discovers evidence of Emma's disappearance and its connection to a massive cover-up. He leaks the information to journalist Stanley Galloway (Rob van Vurren), hoping to expose the corruption at the core of the government. Investigative journalist Luyanda Masinda (Noxolo Dlamini) is distraught when her editor scraps her latest exposé. She finds solace in a local bar, where she meets Stanley, who is fresh from discovering the disappearance of Emma and its ties to a larger national conspiracy. However, Stanley is assassinated before her eyes, and Luyanda is thrust into a dangerous world of espionage as she seeks the truth behind Stanley's murder and the missing girl. With the help of Stanley's inside man, Albert, Luyanda must expose the deep-rooted state capture of South Africa's military assets by a corrupt group profiteering from the illicit trade in military hardware and chemical weaponry to rogue states across Africa.

• Noxolo Dlamini as Luyanda Masinda
• Irshaad Ally as Albert Loots
• Kathleen Stephens as Astha Patel
• Deon Coetzee as Martin Bezuidenhout
• S'Thandiwe Kgoroge as Thuli Yiza
• Anthony Oseyemi as Mohale
• Inez Robertson as Emma Louw

Death of a Whistleblower was primarily filmed in South Africa, with locations in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The film's setting in these cities allowed for an authentic portrayal of the South African context, highlighting both the urban landscapes and the historical significance of these areas. Conceptualization Ian Gabriel, the director of Death of a Whistleblower, drew from his personal experiences and South Africa's historical context to conceptualize the film. Gabriel's experiences during the apartheid era influenced his approach to storytelling, emphasizing the courage and resilience of ordinary individuals facing systemic corruption. The film's narrative is rooted in real events, particularly the South African biological and chemical warfare program, which existed during Gabriel's youth. He aimed to address the ongoing challenges of corruption and the dangers faced by whistleblowers, reflecting on the country's past and present realities. Gabriel's intention was to create a film that not only entertains but also contributes to conversations about transparency, justice, and the role of whistleblowers in today's world. The film pays tribute to real-life whistleblowers who faced violence in their pursuit of accountability, highlighting the importance of their work in exposing corruption.

The film was co-written by four screenwriters, allowing for a diverse range of perspectives and experiences to be incorporated into the narrative. This collaborative effort helped to develop a South African story that transcends traditional colonial narratives, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by South Africans themselves.

Death of a Whistleblower has received positive reviews for its pacing, action sequences, and performances. Film Threat called it "a nonstop thrill ride in an international espionage mystery" and praised Noxolo Dlamini's performance. Eye for Film noted that the film is "well-paced and energetic, with some stunning action scenes" and effectively explores real issues in South Africa's history. The film won the Best African Film award at the 2024 Johannesburg International Film Festival.