'Final Solution' Gains Acclaim as Independent Film
"I wanted to make a film that would paint a picture for the whole world to see and think about issues of prejudice or racism in their countries as well, especially the United States," says Krusen. "There are many parallels between our history in the United States in terms of race relations and the history of South Africa."
Final Solution is the story of lead character Gerrit Wolfaardt, an angry young man who hates the blacks of South Africa and joins a Nazi-style white supremacist group that attacks black townships and makes it appear that rival black townships caused the violence. Gerrit is befriended by a Christian girlfriend and a black pastor. Ultimately, Gerrit undergoes an incredible transformation.
The strong cast drives home an inspiring message of racial reconciliation. Tony Award winner John Kani plays Rev. Peter Lekota. You also may recognize Vusi Kunene from the hit Kevin Bacon film The Air Up There.
"I prefer to call it a film with a Christian worldview," says Krusen. "Many people who are not Christian have seen the film and like it very much. They're very moved by it."
Krusen's recently released film is an international award winner. Houston International Film Festival and the Australian Down Under International Film Festival have both embraced Krusen's though provoking movie, PBS stations all over the country have aired this powerful film, and in its recent theatrical premiere in Tampa, Fla., at a Regal Cinema complex, it won No. 1 box office standings for that weekend.
Krusen says his film's theme is clear.
"I want them to realize that God loves all people and that they, too, should love all people and not judge anybody based on outward appearance," he says.
