Ryan Swano
Presented by kykNET Silwerskerm Festival and the City of Cape Town, in collaboration with Sunshine Cinema, local film lovers are in for a treat this August. The Silwerskerm Community Screenings bring cinema home with two free solar-powered screenings at the Wynberg and Retreat Civic Centres. Finding Optel, directed by sibling duo Jesse and Mikayla Brown, will take centre stage in Retreat on Thursday, 22 August 2025 at 18h00.
This heartfelt dramedy follows 16-year-old Claire Abrahams, an amateur detective who sets out to find Optel, her neighbourhood’s beloved dog. But Claire’s search unexpectedly reopens old wounds, stirring painful memories of her brother’s disappearance nine years earlier. The film blends humour, mystery, and healing in a way that resonates deeply with Cape Town audiences.
This event is Free, but Booking is Compulsary to Secure Your Ticket and avoid disappointment. Booking Details further below.
A Rising Talent Steps Forward
At just 25, Mikayla Joy Brown is the youngest director with a film in competition at this year’s Silwerskermfees, marking her festival debut. Finding Optel, rated 10-12 PG V, is part of Showmax’s first-time directors slate, created to nurture fresh local talent in collaboration with the Joburg Film Festival.
Co-directed with her 29-year-old brother Jesse, the story draws inspiration from Amélie, Wes Anderson, and the pair’s own memories of growing up in Montevideo on the Cape Flats. Adding to the magic, Mikayla also stars as Claire, leading a cast packed with local icons. Award-winner Oscar Petersen plays her father, joined by Zenobia Kloppers, Elton Landrew, Maurice Carpede, Euodia Samson, and more – all household names in South African film and TV.
Cape Town Roots, Community Spirit
Finding Optel doesn’t just celebrate Cape Town stories; it brings them back to Cape Town audiences. The Retreat screening ensures the community that helped shape the filmmakers and actors can enjoy the film first-hand, for free. For many, this will be the first time seeing their own lives, accents, and places reflected on the big screen.
WATCH: Finding Optel Official Trailer
Behind the scenes, Blended Films producers Quantita Adams and Dominique Jossie – already multiple Silwerskerm award-winners – add further credibility to this powerful homegrown project. Together with Sunshine Cinema’s solar-powered mobile units, the initiative underlines Silwerskerm’s commitment to making local cinema accessible to everyone.
More Than Just a Screening
Adding to the excitement, legendary actor Oscar Petersen will host the evening and facilitate a Q&A session with the filmmakers after the screening. It’s a rare chance for the audience to connect directly with the people behind the story, ask questions, and share in the film’s journey.
And the community vibe doesn’t end when the credits roll. Local food favourites will be on-site, including the famous Wynburger and Halibi Treats with their waffles, coffee, and slushies – turning the Retreat Civic Centre into a festive hub of film, food, and conversation. This collaboration between kykNET Silwerskerm, Sunshine Cinema, and the City of Cape Town makes cinema both accessible and celebratory, right in the heart of the community.
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Book your Free Ticket for Finding Optel Silwerskerm Community Screening on Quicket
