South African cinema continues to shine with Finding Optel, a poignant coming-of-age mystery that premiered internationally at the BFI London Film Festival on October 18, 2025. Co-directed by siblings Mikayla Joy Brown and Jesse Brown, the film blends quirky detective storytelling with emotional depth, tackling themes of grief, memory, and resilience.
A Lost Dog, A Buried Past
Set in a vibrant Cape Town neighborhood, the story follows 16-year-old Claire Abrahams (played by Mikayla Joy Brown), who runs a local lost-and-found service. When the beloved community dog, Optel, goes missing, Claire launches a determined search. But what begins as a simple rescue mission soon spirals into something deeper. Claire uncovers clues that may explain the mysterious disappearance of her older brother Jonah, who vanished nine years earlier.
Claire uncovers fragments of her family’s past and confronts the unresolved grief and emotional silence that have shaped her home life.
A Cast Rooted in Community
The film features a rich ensemble of South African talent. Zenobia Kloppers stars as Aunty Doreen, Claire’s nurturing mother figure, while Oscar Petersen plays her father, John Abrahams. Supporting roles include Rodney Goliath, Hein de Vries, Maurice Carpede, Euodia Samson, and Liande Valentyn, each adding texture to the film’s layered portrayal of family and neighborhood dynamics.
A Sibling Collaboration
Mikayla and Jesse Brown not only co-directed the film but also co-wrote the screenplay, drawing from personal experiences and community stories. Their collaboration brings an authentic voice to the film, which has been praised for its emotional honesty and inventive storytelling.
The BFI London Film Festival described Finding Optel as “a quirky detective story that skilfully tackles childhood grief,” highlighting its ability to balance charm with emotional weight.
Streaming Soon on Showmax
Following its festival debut, Finding Optel will be available to stream on Showmax, making it accessible to audiences across Africa and beyond. The film’s release marks a significant moment for independent South African cinema, showcasing how local stories can resonate on global platforms.
Conclusion
Finding Optel is about more than a missing dog, it’s about the emotional journeys we take to heal, the questions we dare to ask, and the courage it takes to face the past. Claire’s story reminds us that sometimes, the search for what’s lost leads us to what we truly need to find.
