South African horror-fantasy film Pou (Peacock) produced by The Ergo Company in association with Fever Dream Pictures and Monolith Films is currently screening at the newly opened Lumiere Cinema in Romford, UK. This revitalized cinema space at the Mercury Shopping Centre opened its doors on 4th of April 2025, featuring a programme of classic and independent films curated by the team behind the Romford Film Festival.
Pou (Peacock) is a modern Gothic tale that follows the journey of Anna (Tarryn Wyngaard), who must confront the violent repression of South Africa’s past when she is sent to care for Sarel (Johan Botha), an old Afrikaner patriarch who is suffering from dementia. Critics have described the film as “absorbing and horrific in equal measure” and “one of the best and most elegant horror dramas to come out of South Africa.”
The first South African film to feature an intimacy coordinator, Pou has played at international festivals such as Razor Reel, Hell’s Half Mile and the Romford Horror Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Feature and Best Director, and won awards for Best Actor and Best Cinematography. It also won Best Horror Feature at the Winter Film Awards in New York City and Best Feature Film at SA Horrorfest in Cape Town.
“We’re thrilled to have Pou (Peacock) return to Romford and screening at this exciting new cinema. I think ventures like this are so important for the future of independent film and cinema as a whole. We’re happy for the opportunity to connect with UK audiences and hope to have a wider release there soon. It feels like the film has only become more relevant since its initial release,” says Jaco Minnaar, the director of the film.
Directed by Jaco Minnaar, POU boasts a renowned cast comprising; Tarryn Wyngaard, Johan Botha, Alida Theron, Ruan Wessels, Liza van Deventer, and Nicola Hanekom, with Catharina Weinek, Dumi Gumbi, and David Cornwell as producers.
Pou (Peacock) was made possible with the support of the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (The DTIC); a film by Jaco Minnaar and David Cornwell.
About The Ergo Company
The Ergo Company is a film production company dedicated to creating thought-provoking and visually stunning films that explore the human condition. With a focus on storytelling that entertains, challenges societal norms and sparks meaningful conversations, The Ergo Company is committed to producing high-quality films that resonate with audiences worldwide.
It has established itself as a leading film production company, showcasing exceptional storytelling and promoting social impact. Its goal might be to take audiences on an entertaining journey through different worlds, but the approach is a strategic and disciplined one. The Ergo Company has its sights set on developing a content studio with global reach.