Based on true events, this is the story of Claas Blank and his developing love affair with sailor Rijkhaart on the convict Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town in 1725.

South Africa, 1725. Class Blank, a young Khoi herder, is found guilty of theft after attempting to re-acquire cattle that had been commandeered by white settlers. He is convicted and sent to work in the labour camp of Robben Island, a harsh penal colony off the coast of Cape Town.

On the island, Blank is put to work in the nursery where English botanist Virgil Niven is cultivating a species of protea, with he hopes to take on the international tulip market. Niven is impressed by Blank's quick mental grasp, and the young prisoner soon finds that he is able to exchange his local knowledge for the odd privilege or two.

Also at the nursery is Rijkhaart Jacobsz, a Dutch sailor who has been convicted and sent to the island for homosexual misconduct. Despite their considerable differences, the two prisoners are inexorably drawn to one another - and before long, their feelings transcend the vast cultural taboos of the time and they become lovers.

Based on harrowing true events, using case files discovered by Jack Lewis in South African archives.

English & Afrikaans with English subtitles.
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