The Smell of Apples () is a 2026 drama film co-written and directed by John Trengove. The film based on the 1993 book of the same name by Mark Behr follows a sheltered 11-year-old white South African boy, who gradually comes to realize the horrors of the apartheid system.
The film had its world premiere in the Platform section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2026, where it competed for the Platform Prize.
Synopsis 11-year-old boy Marnus is living a protected, comfortable life in South Africa under apartheid in 1974. One summer, he tells his parents that the grandson of their family's domestic worker stole his fishing rod. The police respond with extreme violence and badly beat the boy. This incident begins a series of events that make Marnus see his father, a well-known army general, in a disturbing new way. Over the next five days, as painful events unfold, Marnus realizes that his family's perfect image hides hypocrisy, cruelty, and abuse.
Cast Dawian van der Westhuizen as Marnus Hilton Pelser as Johan Maude Sandham as Leonor Alejandro Goic as Mr. Smith Celeste Matthews Wannenburgh as Doreen Wian Carstens as Frikkie Karoline Watson as Ilse Inge Beckmann as Karla Courtlin Baron as Neville
Release The Smell of Apples had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2026, in Platform section.
The film will close the Warsaw International Film Festival on 15 October 2026.
Accolades
AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)Result Toronto International Film Festival 20 September 2026 Platform Prize The Smell of Apples
References
External links