Exploring the Powerful Story Behind Athlone 85: A Conversation with Celeste Williams and Brandon Mack

In a thought-provoking interview with Athlone 85 cast members Celeste Williams and Brandon Mack, we explored the significant local film that delves into a critical chapter of South African history. The feature film, Athlone 85, is set against the backdrop of the 1985 anti-apartheid uprising, specifically focusing on the struggles and resilience of a family from Cape Flats during this turbulent time.

 The film shines a light on a history that, while not widely known, is fundamental in understanding the sacrifices that paved the way for South Africa's path to democracy. Drawing inspiration from real events, Athlone 85 portrays the challenges faced by the youth and families who resisted the oppressive regime, touching on issues such as racism, corruption, and gender-based violence.

Celeste Williams, who plays a central role in the film, spoke passionately about the importance of telling stories like those from the Cape Flats. She emphasized that while stories such as the Soweto uprising are well-known, there were countless other struggles across the country that also played an equal role in the country’s liberation. Through the eyes of the film’s character, Celeste and her team sought to highlight these underrepresented stories.

 Athlone 85 tells the story of Andre, a young man caught up in the anti-apartheid movement. As Celeste explained, the film reflects the experiences of many families during that period — families like Andre's, who found themselves thrust into activism against their will as they were forced to contend with the government's aggressive actions. The story centers on the emotional and political turmoil that families like Andre's faced. It underscores the consequences of their rebellious choices, not only on themselves but on their community and loved ones.

A pivotal moment in the film draws inspiration from the real-life Trojan Horse incident in Thornton Road, Athlone, a horrific attack carried out by the apartheid regime. Armed police ambushed the community under the disguise of a delivery van, leading to violence, deaths, and injuries that left scars on the affected families for years. Celeste explained that this film serves to bring such stories to light, which are often overshadowed by more sensationalized narratives.

 Reflecting on her personal connection to the story, Celeste shared how it took her back to her own youth in Cape Flats during apartheid. Filming Athlone 85 wasn’t just about acting; it was a deeply personal experience for her, reconnecting her with the past and reminding her of the displacement and hardship that she, along with so many others, experienced. She emphasized that while it’s painful to revisit these memories, telling these stories is crucial to ensure they are not forgotten.

Similarly, Brandon Mack, who plays Andre, shared how challenging it was to embody a character so deeply connected to the harsh realities of the time. Brandon, too, was born after 1994 and had to research the history of Cape Flats and the struggle for freedom. His character, Andre, represents the youth who were compelled to join the fight for democracy despite the emotional and physical toll it took on them. For Brandon, understanding the internal conflicts that shaped Andre's actions was key to delivering an authentic performance.

 One of the key messages that both Celeste and Brandon hope to convey to audiences is the importance of acknowledging and embracing South Africa’s complex history. Celeste explained, "We must acknowledge that all of us contributed to our freedom, to the current democracy. It wasn't just a fight that was fought in one part of South Africa." The struggles that took place in Cape Flats were just as crucial as those in Soweto and elsewhere. Understanding this collective fight for freedom is essential for uniting the country today, and Athlone 85 hopes to spark that awareness.

The film also calls on audiences to reflect on the lessons of the past, urging them not to repeat the same mistakes. As Celeste put it, “We don’t want to go down the same path. We want South Africa to be the fabulous place that it can be.”

 What makes Athlone 85 even more impactful is its emphasis on local talent. Celeste and Brandon both pointed out that many of the actors in the film had no prior acting experience. This raw, authentic talent brought a genuine quality to the performances. In fact, many of the cast members are from the communities featured in the story, lending the film an added layer of realism and emotional depth.

Brandon, who plays Andre, emphasized how many of the actors had no formal training but were cast because they embodied the rawness and passion of the community. “The movie has sparked the desire in many to pursue careers in film,” he said. It’s a testament to the power of local stories and the untapped talent that exists within South Africa's communities.

 As the interview concluded, both Celeste and Brandon expressed the importance of telling stories like those of Cape Flats. While negative aspects such as gangsterism and drug abuse often dominate the portrayal of the area, Athlone 85 offers a different perspective, showcasing the resilience, unity, and rich history of the community. By telling these stories, the film hopes to challenge preconceived notions and inspire others to appreciate the diversity and strength within communities like Cape Flats.

Athlone 85 will have its premiere on 2025 February 20th at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, and Celeste and Brandon urged the public to support the film, especially as it highlights a crucial part of South Africa's history. Moreover, the premiere event will also be a charitable one, encouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food items for distribution to disadvantaged communities in Cape Town. Tickets can be purchased via the website, and attendees are encouraged to get involved by donating and supporting the cause.

 As the interview wrapped up, Celeste and Brandon left us with an important reminder: "It's time for us to tell our stories." And with Athlone 85, they are doing just that bringing a powerful piece of South African history to the forefront and allowing a new generation to understand the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Written by Mkuseli "Khusi" Veto