Cassim Kaif is a young Muslim man who works in his fathers (Ebrahim Kaif) fabric shop. It is
Ebrahims dream for Cassim to take over the shop. The shop is not in a great part of town and is
battling to survive. Ebrahim is embroiled in a thirty-year feud with his brother over a matter of
political principle, while the brothers new shop has flourished Ebrahims shop is struggling. This
increases Ebrahims need for Cassim to take over the shop and make a success of it.
Meanwhile....
Cassim has discovered that he has a talent for stand-up comedy. Hes funny and those in the
know tell him he has the talent to go far. He doesnt know what this all means, all he knows is
that he loves it and wants to pursue it. The problem is he hasnt told his father about this other
life.
When Ebrahim finds out about the stand up comedy, Cassim finds himself in direct conflict with
his father, his family and his community. His father demands that he make a choice.
Material is a warm, funny and emotional look at the struggles of a Muslim family facing the
modern world, exploring, destiny, responsibility and what family really means. The film is entirely
set in the Indian enclave of Forsdburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
