When does the screening take place?

THE HEART IS A MUSCLE will be shown on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 18:30 to 20:00.

Where is the film being screened?

The screening takes place in the projector at Gasteig HP8, Hans-Preißinger-Straße 8, 81379 Munich.

How much does a ticket cost?

The regular ticket price is 7 Euro. A reduced ticket costs 5 Euro.

How long is the film?

THE HEART IS A MUSCLE has a runtime of 86 minutes.

In what version will the film be shown?

The South African-Saudi feature film will be shown in the original language with English subtitles.

Who directed the film?

The film was directed by the South African filmmaker Imran Hamdulay.

THE HEART IS A MUSCLE: Award-Winning Cinema about Guilt, Love, and Responsibility

Name: THE HEART IS A MUSCLE
Start: 2026-10-18T18:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-18T20:00:00+02:00
Location: Projektor im Gasteig HP8

Between Love, Fear, and Responsibility: THE HEART IS A MUSCLE

A children's birthday party turns into a nightmare: When Ryan's five-year-old son suddenly disappears, his life goes off the rails. Imran Hamdulay's haunting feature film debut THE HEART IS A MUSCLE takes place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the projector of the Gasteig HP8 and tells of guilt, family ties, and the painful confrontation with one's own past.

A Dramatic Turning Point

The story begins in a seemingly familiar moment. A birthday party, a child, the carefree nature of everyday life – and then a gap that changes everything. Ryan reacts in panic and makes a mistake. From this moment, the film develops a dense family drama about responsibility and the consequences of human overwhelm.

Direction with a Psychological Perspective

Director Imran Hamdulay condenses the plot into a concentrated cinematic presentation. The drama does not follow simple answers, but the inner turmoil of its characters. THE HEART IS A MUSCLE observes how fear is inscribed in relationships and how the past, present, and responsibility are inextricably intertwined.

Award-Winning Premiere at the Berlinale

The film celebrated its world premiere in 2025 in the Panorama section of the Berlinale. There, THE HEART IS A MUSCLE received the Ecumenical Jury Award. The award underscores the social and humanistic power of a film that connects personal crisis with broader questions of care, guilt, and solidarity.

A Film Highlighting African Perspectives

As part of the 16th African Film Days Munich, the screening represents a cinema that makes diverse life realities visible and breaks stereotypical views. The South African-Saudi feature film from 2025 opens an intense access to themes that reach far beyond its concrete plot.

The Theater Experience at the Projector

In the projector of the Gasteig HP8, a concentrated theater atmosphere for the screen is created: dimmed light, the closeness of the audience, and precise acoustics create the space for an emotional cinema experience. The OmenglU version combines the original language with English subtitles, thus preserving the sound character of the film.

Conclusion

THE HEART IS A MUSCLE promises a powerful theater experience between family drama, psychological tension, and social reflection. Those who wish to experience African cinema in its narrative diversity will find here an award-winning and sustainably impactful production. Secure your ticket for this special festival evening at the Gasteig HP8.