Tengers (2007)

Tengers is a 2007 South African animated film written, directed and produced by Michael J. Rix. It is the first full-length animation produced in South Africa and uses the claymation technique.

The film opens with Rob’s mistaken arrest for bank robbery. He explains to Marius that he was wearing the balaclava because he was cold, and that carrying a gun is standard practice in Johannesburg.

In fact, he was at the bank to see Christine. She is the artist responsible for the “Remembrance Wall,” a memorial to the victims of violent crime in the city. After meeting at the wall, Christine agrees to go on a date with Rob.

After winning a fortune on a scratch card, Rob finds his life under threat and believes that the Lottery Service is trying to murder him to prevent him from claiming his prize. He is forced to hide amongst the city’s underclass.

The film ends with a western style shoot out during which the killer is revealed to be Marius and Christine is killed. Rob reflects on the harsh realities of life in modern South Africa.