Rented Silence
Logline
Rented Silence, based on a true story, exposes South Africa's crimes against humanity during and after British colonial rule. It takes you through a roller coaster of emotions as it describes South Africa from post-WWII to modern day. "Two tiny newborns were buried alive in a compost pit, covered with corn husks and left to die. A hungry wild dog, saliva flowing, stood impatiently over the mound. As it started to dig out its prey, an escaped slave whooshed it away. Drawn by the sound of a weak human cry, the runaway cautiously approached the mournful whimper. What could provoke a new mother to bury her twin babies alive? A will to protect her children from the inescapable pain and horror of becoming chattel to an evil South African plantation owner.
Genre
Historical Fiction,
Short Summary
Post-WWII Africa through the eyes of characters who unearth the painful secrets of those times: Shiya, a white newborn rescued from an intended grave, who lives five idyllic years in the bush before she is captured, tormented, & eventually freed; Anele, the black runaway slave who saves her.
Setting
South Africa
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending, Meaningful Message, Philosophical Questions, Coming of Age
Mature Audience Themes
Sexual Abuse
Main Character Details
Name: Shiya
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Complex, Desperate, Honorable, Naive, Perseverance, Underdog, Aspiring
Additional Character Details
Name: Anele
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Role: Sidekick
Key Traits: Adventurous, Aspiring, Empathetic, Honorable, Modest
Additional Character Details
Name: Alan Hallworthy
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Role: Antagonist
Key Traits: Power-hungry, Aggressive, Crazy, Criminal
Additional Character Details
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