Grawe Op Die Waarheid – Independent Afrikaans Short Film

Grawe Op Die Waarheid is an independently produced Afrikaans psychological thriller written, produced and co-directed by Pretoria filmmaker Lukas Potgieter.

Set during a matric year-end celebration, the film follows a group of young people whose evening of friendship, music and celebration slowly turns into something far more unsettling. As personal insecurities, social pressure and hidden emotions begin to surface, the film explores what can happen when the struggles someone carries beneath the surface go unnoticed.

At the centre of the story is Damian, a socially withdrawn young man dealing with anxiety, loneliness and isolation. Through the thriller's psychological tension, the film explores the relationship between what people see and what someone may actually be experiencing internally.

“I didn't want to make a thriller simply for the sake of making something scary. I wanted to tell a story about people and the things we don't always see.” Potgieter says.

For Potgieter, the film became much more personal during its development following the death of his grandmother. Her passing became an important source of motivation to continue with the project and complete it independently, turning the film into something that carries personal meaning beyond the production itself. The film is dedicated to his grandmother.

“Losing my grandmother was incredibly difficult. There were moments when I questioned whether I should continue, but her passing gave me another reason to keep going. I wanted to finish something I believed in and create something I could be proud of.”

Grawe Op Die Waarheid is Potgieter's third short film project, (Die Dans Kort Film in 2021 and The Last Night Of Lockdown Short Film in 2023) independently produced through LCP Productions in collaboration with DM Film Productions. 

Lukas serves as writer, producer and co-director, alongside Melissa Snyman, who serves as co-director and cinematographer. Dewan Snyman serves as Director of Photography.

The production brought together an emerging ensemble of South African performers, with the cast including:

Ruanco Ueckermann (Known for Pronk Primer, Diepe Waters and Kampterrein) — Damian

Lohandi Gouws (Known for Die Dans kort film from Potgieter) — Carla

Moya Erasmus (Pali Student) — Anel

Alden Lariviere (Known Afrikaans artist) — Pieter

Xander Pieterse — Shaun

Mpumi Sinandile — Keesha

Mia Burwise — Jennifer

Myrna Brunette (Known Afrikaans and country artist) – Anna

The film also features music from South African artists such as Moegoe, Aya Nixon, Deard, DBSounds and Dappermuis Band, whose work forms an important part of the film's atmosphere and emotional journey.

Grawe Op Die Waarheid is is currently being prepared for film festival submissions and television

consideration, with the film scheduled for independent public release on 4 September 2026.

The production team hopes the film will give audiences an entertaining psychological thriller while also leaving them with something to think about once the credits roll. For Potgieter, completing the film represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal achievement.

"Making a film independently isn't easy. There were a lot of moments where I could have given up. But I kept reminding myself why I started. Finishing this film is something I will always be grateful for."

For more information, media interviews, review copies or additional production material:

Lukas Potgieter

LCP PRODUCTIONS

Writer • Producer • Director

Cell: 070 358 3810

Email: info@lcpproductions.co.za

Website: Click Here