Tim Robbins and Derek Luke star in Catch A Fire, the true-life story of South African freedom fighter Patrick Chamusso. For director Phillip Noyce it was another chance to examine the roots of systemic racism, as he did in his acclaimed 2002 drama Rabbit-Proof Fence. The film, "a gripping thriller narrative" opened to rave reviews but sadly, this didn't translate into box office success.

The First Sparks

Noyce speaks with great eloquence about the history of South Africa, and Tim Robbins is just as well informed in his contributions. "I was protesting against apartheid in the 80s," says the famously outspoken actor, but he goes on to say that he felt a great deal of trepidation about portraying an Afrikaner in a fair and rounded way. Derek Luke was just as daunted by the prospect of playing Chamusso - especially after meeting him. He describes their time together as "rocky at first" and the young actor began to have second thoughts about taking on the project; "I felt like this job was bigger than me," he says.

Other contributors to the track include producer Robyn Slovo plus her sister and screenwriter Shaun Slovo.

Aftershock

There's not much to say about three snippets of deleted footage, which are just bridging to other more dramatic scenes. Colonel Nic Vos (Robbins) inspects a bomb device in one and is called to the site of an explosion in another. Bonnie Henna gets a little more screen time as Precious Chamusso, who struggles to retain a sense of normalcy at home after Patrick is arrested.

The lack of direct behind-the-scenes access is disappointing, especially since Africa presents a unique challenge for any filmmaker. Still, after being outgunned by Amazing Grace on its big screen release, this brilliant drama deserves to generate some heat on the small screen.

EXTRA FEATURES

Catch A Fire DVD is released on Monday 16th July 2007.