THE TREK has won the Jury Award at the Fantasporto — Porto International Film Festival in Portugal.
THE TREK follows a Dutch-Afrikaans family and their British benefactor as they make the perilous journey across the Kalahari desert in the 19th century. Assisted by a mysterious Khoen stranger, the group is preyed upon by the harsh terrain, beset by starvation and suspicion while being stalked by something older and far more merciless than the desert itself.
The project marks the feature debut of Meekaaeel Adam SASC, who is regarded as one of the country's most exciting emerging directors.
The cast includes Morne Visser (The Kissing Booth 1-3), Rob Van Vuuren (Ludik, Slumber Party Massacre, Mandela, The Mauritanian), Trix Vivier (Trackers, Legacy), and Maurice Carpede (The Kingdom).
In 2021, the film won First Prize for South Africa at the JETS (Junior Entertainment Talent Slate) pitching competition, held annually during the Berlinale. In 2022, the project was presented at the genre-focused pitch-event Frontières in Cannes.
The film received funding support from the National Film and Video Foundation South Africa in Johannesburg.
Global Constellation (formerly Global Screen) is handling international sales.
Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios is among the film's financiers and will oversee streaming in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Directors Guild Of South Africa has nominated the film in six categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.