Movie Night: Die Ellen Pakkies Storie
Based on the shocking true story of Ellen Pakkies, who tragically murdered her son Abie in 2007, this film dives into a mother’s struggle with addiction, heartbreak, and an unforgiving system.
Year of Release: 2018
Genres: Crime, Drama
Languages: Afrikaans
Running time: 123 minutes
Director
Daryne Joshua
Writers
Amy Jephta
Cast
Jill Levenberg as Ellen
Jarrid Geduld as Abie
Elton Landrew
Clint Brink
Ilse Klink
Plot Summary
When the cracks in society become too wide, families like Ellen’s fall through. In 2007, Ellen Pakkies’ name dominated headlines for a crime that shook South Africa. She killed her son Abie, who had become unrecognisable under the grip of addiction. This film peels back the layers of her story, showing a mother who fought tirelessly for her child until there was nothing left to fight for. Through the courtroom and her memories, we witness a harrowing journey of love turned to heartbreak. Ellen is a devastating reminder of what happens when a system fails its most vulnerable people.
Reviews of Die Ellen Pakkies Movie
‘Ellen, The Ellen Pakkies the Story’: A tragic tale of the awful cycle of abuse – IOL
Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story – News24
Film review: The Ellen Pakkies Story – Life Righting Collective
Movie Review: Ellen – The Ellen Pakkies Story – Spling Movies
Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story review – The Citizen
Trivia
At first, Daryne Joshua, who also directed Nommer 37, wasn’t sure about taking on such a deeply personal story. But everything changed after he met Ellen Pakkies, the woman whose life inspired the film. That meeting convinced him to move forward with the project, bringing her powerful story to the screen.
Content Advisory For The Ellen Pakkies Movie
Violence & Gore, Profanity, Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Where To Stream The Ellen Pakkies Full Movie
Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story is currently available to stream at Showmax and e-tv.
Watch Trailer
Behind The Scenes
Awards
South African Film and Television Awards
2019 Winner SAFTA Golden Horn
Best Achievement in Directing – Feature Film
Daryne Joshua
2019 Winner SAFTA Golden Horn
Best Actor – Feature Film
Jarrid Geduld
2019 Winner SAFTA Golden Horn
Best Actress – Feature Film
Jill Levenberg
2019 Winner SAFTA Golden Horn
Best Achievement in Original Music/Score – Feature Film
Quinn Lubbe
African Movie Academy Awards
2019 Nominee AMAA
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Jill Levenberg
2019 Winner AMAA
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Jarrid Geduld
2019 Nominee AMAA
Best Director
Daryne Joshua
2019 Nominee AMAA
Best Production Design
Bathoni Robinson
Silwerskerm Festival
2018 Nominee Silwerskerm Festival Prize
Best Editor
C.A. van Aswegen
Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story (2018)
2018 Nominee Silwerskerm Festival Prize
Best Film
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