Shirley Adams
“The story of a woman who loses her family to violence and poverty, but gains her own sense of self worth.”
Synopsis
Shirley Adams spends her days caring for her disabled son, Donovan - he was shot in the back of the neck on his way home from school one afternoon over a year ago. Since then the Adams family has lost all their worldly possessions to medical bills. Shirley has no money, no job and no husband - he left. The shooter is one of Donovan's childhood friends. Her reaction to the betrayal is so overwhelming that she chooses not to tell Donovan in fear of further damaging his already unstable emotional state. Determined to make a change in their lives, Shirley actively decides to embrace their new circumstances, hoping that Donovan will follow her example.
Top Cast
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Denise Newman
Shirley Adams
Keenan Arrison
Donovan Adams
Emily Child
Tamsin
Theresa Sedras
Kariema Samsodien
Gamiet Petersen
Kariem Samsodien
Travis Snyders
Jeremy Jacobs
Lee-Ann Van Rooi
Philda Jacobs
David Müller
Kurt Williams
Adrian Galley
Doctor
Sasha Lee
Sasha
Lu Chase
Nurse
Ruth Mpukwana
Pharmacy Assistant #2
Suzanne Elizabeth Duncan
Receptionist
Mntuwelilizwe Ndamane
Bailiff
Marlene Hyland
Judge
Alfonzo Solomon
Tamsin's Boyfriend (voice)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Durban International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Oliver Hermanus
- Screenplay & Story
- Stavros Pamballis
- Original Score
- Philip Miller
- Original Title
- Shirley Adams
- Country of Origin
- South Africa
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Oliver Hermanus
Stavros Pamballis
Philip Miller
Jamie D. Ramsay
Garreth Fradgley
Roland Emmerich, Michael Wheatley, Jeremy Nathan
Department Leadership Roster
Oliver Hermanus
Director
Stavros Pamballis
Writer
Jamie D. Ramsay
Director of Photography
Philip Miller
Original Music Composer
Garreth Fradgley
Editor
Nicholas Mostert
Production Design
Maleen Nokel
Costume Design
Michael Wheatley
Producer
Jeremy Nathan
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Shirley Adams.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Shirley Adams.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shirley Adams
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Shirley Adams about?
Shirley Adams spends her days caring for her disabled son, Donovan - he was shot in the back of the neck on his way home from school one afternoon over a year ago. Since then the Adams family has lost all their worldly possessions to medical bills. Shirley has no money, no job and no husband - he left. The shooter is one of Donovan's childhood friends. Her reaction to the betrayal is so overwhelming that she chooses not to tell Donovan in fear of further damaging his already unstable emotional state. Determined to make a change in their lives, Shirley actively decides to embrace their new circumstances, hoping that Donovan will follow her example.
Who directed Shirley Adams?
Shirley Adams was directed by Oliver Hermanus.
Who stars in Shirley Adams?
The principal cast of Shirley Adams includes Denise Newman, Keenan Arrison, Emily Child, Theresa Sedras, Gamiet Petersen.
When was Shirley Adams released and how long is it?
Shirley Adams was released in 2009 with a total runtime of 1h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for Shirley Adams?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Shirley Adams was composed by Philip Miller.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Shirley Adams?
Shirley Adams holds official age classifications: CA: 14A.