An intimate South African drama about mental health, resilience, and choosing life
Humdrum follows Nakisani “Naki” Lalumbe (33), a functionally depressed young woman navigating the pressures of work, relationships, and the persistent search for meaning. Outwardly, Naki appears composed and capable, but beneath the surface she struggles with isolation, emotional numbness, and an inability to fully connect or express vulnerability.
When an unexpected promotion at work coincides with the chance to rediscover her long-abandoned passion for running, Naki is nudged onto a path she never anticipated—one that begins to challenge her emotional detachment and quietly tests her resilience.
A Journey Shaped by Trauma and Renewal
Naki’s fragile balance is disrupted by a traumatic road accident that leaves her physically shaken and emotionally exposed. In the aftermath, a memorial running club is launched in honour of lives lost, drawing together strangers and survivors, each carrying their own grief.
Initially reluctant, Naki finds herself slowly pulled into this tentative community. What begins as hesitation turns into cautious participation, as shared pain and collective hope begin to form unexpected bonds.
As she trains for an upcoming race, running becomes more than physical exertion. It becomes a space of reckoning—forcing her to confront the accident, unresolved loss, and deeper emotional wounds that have long kept her isolated. Early morning runs and moments of silence offer reflection, discomfort, and the possibility of healing.
Choosing Between Isolation and Connection
Naki’s journey is far from linear. She must face a difficult choice: continue relying solely on her own strength and emotional distance, or open herself to the support offered by others.
The race itself becomes a powerful metaphor for her internal struggle—challenging her to embrace vulnerability, confront fear, and summon the courage to move forward. In doing so, she begins to discover that healing does not happen in isolation, but often within community.
About the Film
Humdrum is an intimate drama that explores the lived realities of depression, the non-linear nature of healing, and the quiet bravery required to start again. Through Naki’s story, the film reflects on mental health with honesty and care, highlighting the importance of friendship, shared experience, and reaching out.
It is a story about learning to live again—gentle, grounded, and deeply human—encouraging audiences to choose life even in the face of adversity.
Creators’ Reflections
Mental health has been recognised as a growing global concern. In South Africa, there has been a notable increase in deaths linked to depression and mental health challenges.
Directed by a filmmaker from Limpopo, South Africa, Humdrum engages these themes in a way that is both locally grounded and globally resonant. The film confronts difficult realities while offering hope, encouraging audiences to choose life and connection.
Director’s Statement
“First and foremost, Humdrum is a deeply personal story about friendship—an experience that felt necessary to tell. I hope it reminds people that mental health is never one-dimensional, and that after watching, they choose life. This film is for anyone trying to make sense of the world—young women and adults alike—navigating modern life where even the positives can carry their own challenges.”
— Elelwani Netshifhire