WATCH: Local flick Tess is an emotional drama about sex workers, abuse and drugs

Local feature film Tess highlights the plight of sex workers, abused women and children through the heart-wrenching story about a young woman who battles emotional demons on a daily basis.

The flick which is set to release in cinemas on February 24 is based on a book, Whiplash written by Tracy Farren.  

Director Meg Richards said the film aims to highlight the emotional journey of a young woman who has to deal with the issues of her past.

"The fact that she (Tess) is a sex worker is by the by, she's a young woman who is undergoing a huge emotional journey and its about her facing the truth about her childhood, and making peace with that to move forward with some inner-dignity intact," Meg said.

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The film stars Christia Visser as Tess, Nollywood actress Nse Ikpe-Etim, Brendon Daniels and Dann Jacques Mouton. Lee-Ann van Rooi, Quanita Adams, Amanda Lane, Warrick Grier, Oscar Peterson, Mark Elderkin and Greg Kriek round out the cast.

Here's a behind the scenes glimpse into the film: