This gentle, short film features appealing acting by Siyabonga, a twelve-year-old boy sent to his grandmother’s village while his parents sort out their marriage. Siyabonga becomes the village letter reader, connecting people with their loved ones around the country. He discovers the power of words, and cannot bring himself to cause pain to a beautiful young woman who has received bad news. Set in the magnificent Drakensburg Mountains and beautifully filmed, this tender film takes you into the heart of rural South Africa, giving you an insight into village life. The Letter Reader reminds us of the power of literacy, an important theme for our festival, which raises funds to support education in South Africa.