You’re invited to watch The Heart Is a Muscle in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room, powered by Vision Media, followed by a pre-recorded conversation with writer/director Imran Hamdulay and actor Keenan Arrison, moderated by Avril Speaks (Producer, Director and Film Educator).

Imran Hamdulay are Khosie Dali are Film Independent Fellows who participated in International programs in 2023.

At a barbecue with friends, Ryan’s five year old son goes missing. Taking place over the course of a weekend, this sparks a series of incidents which puts a strain on Ryan, his friendships and his marriage. The Heart Is a Muscle is a humanist drama about parenthood, friendships and a man learning that in order to be a better father and husband, he must first learn to forgive himself for his past actions.

The film is South Africa’s official submission for the International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. It was an official selection of the Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize, as well as the Sydney Film Festival and the Cairo International Film Festival.

 
2025, 86 minutes, color | Written and Directed by Imran Hamdulay | Main Cast Keenan Arrison, Melissa De Vries, Dean Marais, Danny Ross, Ridaa Adams, Loren Loubser, Robyn Rossouw | Produced by Adam Thal, p.g.a, Imran Hamdulay, Khosie Dali, Brett Michael Innes, Lesley-Ann Brandt | Executive Producer Adam Thal | Co-Executive Producers Saskia Rosenberg-Haak, Tebogo Malope, Tristan Holmes
 

Registration Information

Even when they reach capacity, Film Lover and Secret Members are guaranteed access to all online screenings. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access to all online and in-person screenings. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members and the general public can register for this online screening starting at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 18. | Registration is free; one registration per individual.
 

How to Watch

On the first day of screening availability, registrants will be emailed a secure link by our partner Vision Media to watch this title in the Film Independent Presents Online Screening Room.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Online Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible to ensure access. Links are watermarked, nontransferable and may only be used by the individual who completed the registration. Limit one link per registrant, per event.

Members/registrants are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.