Hier.Na

The Burgess family is a typical modern, culturally blended South African family in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, on top of a hill, under a cross. Eric is secular, but his wife, Juleigha, who prefers to be called Julie, is a non-practicing Muslim. They have two children. Dean is a professional online gamer, and Leila, a medical student, celebrates her Muslim identity, which she recently rediscovered – something that irritates her mother greatly. When Julie suddenly dies of a heart attack, Leila undertakes to arrange a Muslim funeral for her with the help of Julie’s mother. This upsets the whole family. Everyone must now navigate years of conflicts and undercurrents within one tumultuous day so that Julie can be buried before sunset, as Muslim custom requires.

Directed by Quanita Adams, Hier.Na leans on a strong ensemble — David Isaacs, Quanita Adams, June van Merch — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2024.