Stories That Shape Us: Rob Van Vuuren on Film, Family, and Africa’s Unfolding Truths - 23 July 2025

On The Lunch Break with Varshan Sookhun, we continue our deep dive into the powerful storytelling emerging from Zimbabwe’s complex political past. Earlier this week, we explored the haunting theatrical journey of Breakfast with Mugabe with Craig Jackson. Today, we shift gears to the silver screen. Joining us is multi-award-winning actor and comedy sensation Rob Van Vuuren, who plays Tim Fuller in the internationally acclaimed film Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight. Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and now making its South African debut, the film captures Zimbabwe’s transition from colonial rule to independence—told through the innocent and perceptive eyes of a child. Rob speaks candidly about working alongside a stellar team including Anele Mdoda, Trevor Noah, and director Embeth Davidtz, who also stars as his on-screen wife. We unpack the emotional and historical layers of the film’s title, the generational impact of racism, and the unique power of African storytelling. Plus, we sneak in a laugh as Rob talks comedy, the upcoming Namaste Bae at the Hilton Arts Festival, and The Chilli Bar performance this weekend. I