Shepherds and Butchers is a 2016 South African drama film directed by Oliver Schmitz. It was shown in the Panorama section at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival. It is an adaptation of the debut novel of the same name by Chris Marnewick, a New Zealand-based author and former South African High Court barrister and judge.
Contents
Plot
Nearing the end of apartheid in South Africa, a young white prison guard (Garion Dowds) embarks on a seemingly motiveless shooting that sees to the death of seven unarmed black sportsmen. A British-born lawyer assigned to his case (Steve Coogan) sets out to prove his actions were a direct result of psychological trauma from his volatile work environment. The defense attorney is an ardent opponent of the death penalty.
Cast
Steve Coogan as John Weber - Defence attorney
Andrea Riseborough as Kathleen Marais - Prosecutor
Garion Dowds as Leon Labuschagne - Defendant
Deon Lotz as Warrant Officer Rautenbach - Prison officer
Marcel van Heerden as Justice J. P. van Zyl - Chief Judge
Robert Hobbs as Pierre De Villiers - John's Brother-in-law
Awards
The film received third place in the Panorama Audience Award at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.