Local film brings Roodepan to the silver screen

A LOCALLY-produced Afrikaans full-length film, “Boeta Kom Huistoe”, has brought Roodepan to the silver screen, featuring first-time actors from the Northern Cape.

The movie premiered at a red carpet event at the William Humphreys Art Gallery on October 25, highlighting societal struggles such as single parenthood, unemployment, and redemption.

It has been nominated for the Rustenburg Film Festival, which runs from November 6-10, celebrating the art of storytelling across 55 countries.

Writer, producer and director Eric Kok said the film touched on prevalent issues affecting the youth including mental health, drug abuse, peer pressure, alcoholism and joblessness.

“It also delves into how siblings are compared to one another in the same household. The main character, Steven Solomons, helps his mother around the house but is regarded as a failure. This is while his brother is recognised as successful and a proud family member because he is employed,” said Kok.

He added that the film was based on real-life experiences.

“There are many twists and turns in the plot that allow the audience to experience an emotional roller-coaster journey. Without giving away any spoilers, through great sacrifices, Steven and his mother eventually come to the realisation that they need to forgive and appreciate each other.”

Kok said that the film’s soundtrack was composed by Bronwen van Neel, also known as “White Shado”.

He explained that he trained the debut actors for about three weeks before filming began.

“The lead actor, Alister Vezasie, who plays the main character Steven Solomons, is from Barkly West. Rosemarie Sparks as Maraai Solomons comes from Gqeberha, Doshé Africa is Nay-Nay, and Merilyn Mongale as Yvonne is from Campbell but is currently living in Kimberley.

“Kingsley Kokas Stukkie and Phila Mosenki have some experience in acting.”

Kok said he was granted funding from the National Film and Video Foundation, but had to also request additional funding from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and other sponsors to complete the film in just over a year.

“Boeta Kom Huistoe has set a new benchmark in regional storytelling, showcasing the incredible talent within the Northern Cape and proving that the Province’s stories deserve a global stage. We are hopeful that the provincial government and the private sector will contribute so that we can compete internationally. The film was chosen out of over 1,100 entries for the Rustenburg Film Festival and I intend to enter the Durban International Film Festival and the Saftas.”

Kok added that he intends to continue producing more local films as a way of giving back to the community.

“It is a means of attracting investors to the Province, growing the economy and creating a platform for local talent. I have already started writing the screenplay for a period drama set in the Northern Cape in the 1800s,” Kok said.