Local talent in spotlight at film screening

A LOCAL filmmaker, Eric R Kok, in collaboration with the Shidokwon Academy, recently hosted a highly successful community film screening initiative at the Roman Catholic Church Hall in Roodepan.

The event showcased the premiere screening of the short film “Die Date”, produced by the Progressive Arts Network (PAN) crew and directed and written by Kok.

The Progressive Arts Network, dedicated to fostering local talent and telling stories that matter through film and other media, aims to educate, entertain and empower communities across South Africa.

By taking this initiative directly to the community, the organisers sought to raise awareness about the growing risks associated with social media and online dating, particularly in light of the alarming spike in kidnappings and human trafficking nationwide.

The screening drew an impressive crowd, with approximately 400 community members filling the church hall.

“Die Date” features home-grown talent, including Eudene Feder, Alvera Lakay and Alister Vezasie, and viewers praised the film for its captivating narrative and relatable characters.

The film emphasised the importance of vigilance and informed decision-making in the digital age.

The packed hall underscored the community’s keen interest in locally produced films that convey important narratives. Beyond a mere film screening, the event also served as a dynamic community dialogue platform.

During the screening, a dialogue session facilitated discussions on how community stakeholders can collectively address and raise awareness of pressing issues.

The film was well-received, with some audience members moved to tears by its powerful message.

The local councillor, Justine Esau, hailed the film as groundbreaking and emphasised the role of cinema in empowering the youth.

Nadia Sampson, a curious attendee, enthusiastically shared her experience after participating in the impactful event.

“I was invited to this event earlier today and what a wow! What an excellent way to make the youth aware of the evils of social media, including human trafficking, which was the main theme of the movie. I loved it, Eric R Kok. I love that you practice your art with meaning. Looking forward to your next project. #Boetakomhuistoe!”

Eighteen-year-old Hayley Bartlett expressed significant benefits from the screening, gaining a broader understanding of the side effects of engaging with “just anyone” on social media.

She emphasised that the event played a crucial role in educating youth about the risks and consequences of online interactions, including the alarming issue of kidnappings.

“I feel like this was a good platform to teach the youth of the threats of online interactions and important safety tips,” said Bartlett.

Britney Joggom, 20, mentioned that she had watched the first episode on Facebook and now felt prepared to view the second episode at the screening.

“I believe that the youth will now see that not everything they see online is real. A person you have just met will appear nice to you, but when you meet the person in real life you might realise that this is not the person that they portrayed themselves to be. That is how I understood the film,” she said.

“In the film, Jaydine met someone online and then decided to meet with him, only for her to get kidnapped by the person. So that’s how the youth can be. They fall into the trap of things they see online, just because the person is good-looking.

“I am looking forward to seeing more episodes to see what happens to Jaydine.”

Jarnique du Plooy, 20, described the event as truly incredible.

“The engaging conversations and the honest speakers made it worthwhile. The movie itself was so interesting and had me captivated from the start. Beyond providing self-awareness to young children, it also offered the perspective of what parents or guardians might feel if something were to happen to their children,” said Du Plooy.

Doshé Africa, a 24-year-old from Barkly West, found the short film to be highly informative. She emphasized the importance of witnessing the experiences girls endure after being kidnapped or sold.

“I hope the youth learn a lot from this film; to be more vigilant when it comes to who they talk to on social media. And especially be careful to never give away their address or location,” she said.

Kyle Magalty, 21, expressed gratitude to the event organisers. He described the event as a powerful awareness tool and an excellent way to engage with young people.

“It was a positive and powerful experience and I feel the message of social media dangers was well reflected in the movie to give everyone who attended a better understanding,” he said.

Yule Thomas, 26, described the event as exceptional, praising the professionalism of the actors.

“The lead actress really stood out for me. I enjoyed the experience of watching the movie with the community too, it is not something that we see a lot. I’m excited to see the next project and see how much more talent gets discovered,” said Thomas.

Kok concluded by saying that PAN and Shidokwon Academy remain dedicated to organising impactful screenings in places such as Kimberley, Postmasburg, Upington and other areas within the Northern Cape.

He also extended an invitation to government departments and the private sector, urging their support to facilitate future screenings.

The crew members of “Die Date” are as follows:

Writer and director: Eric R kok

Cinematographer: Jason Sparks

Sound recordist: Edwin Mzimba

Wardrobe and props: Amandus Kuyanie

Script supervisor: Freda Kok