Carissa

Carissa is a young woman living with her grandmother Wilhelmiena in a small village nestled in the Cederberg mountains. Wilhelmiena disapproves of Carissa’s lack of ambition and incessant phone use, which fuels their constant bickering. In an attempt to steer Carissa in a different direction, she drags her to a presentation by a business conglomerate, Mont Royale. They plan on taking over the community’s rooibos tea land to build a new luxury golf estate. The company offers education programs for young applicants, which Wilhelmiena sees as an opportunity for Carissa. Unexpectedly, Hendrik, Carissa’s long- absent grandfather, visits one evening. As a rooibos farmer affected by Mont Royale’s takeover, Hendrik offers Carissa the chance to spend time with him in the mountains before the land is gone. Wilhemiena opposes the idea. Nevertheless, Carissa causes trouble for herself and as a result, is driven out of the house by Wilhemiena one evening, compelling her to seek refuge in the mountains as her only available escape. (Venice International Film Festival)