The dramatic life of the late South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje is being brought to the big screen by his brother Frans Cronje, who produced his first film, “Faith Like Potatoes”” last year.
Frans Cronje’s company Global Creative Studios (GCS) is producing the film which will be distributed theatrically and on DVD in South Africa by Nu Metro Film Distribution.
Says General Manager Debbie McCrum: “Nu Metro has been looking to partner with a local filmmaker for sometime and not only to invest financially but to build a lasting partnership. We have been following Frans Cronje’s recent success in filmmaking and within a couple of days convinced him that Nu Metro should be the home for his future films. We also believe that South African audiences want to see local stories of inspiration and motivation which was clearly brought to life in “Faith like Potatoes”. Frans has an enigmatic energy that captured Nu Metro’s interest in his films. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Global Creative Studios.”
Worldwide rights to “Hansie” have been bought by an American company.
Hollywood actress Sarah Thompson is attached to the film. The 28-year old American star of the TV series “7th Heaven” will be playing the much sought- after role of Hansie’s wife, Bertha, in the movie alongside Frank Rautenbach in the lead role.
Director Regardt van den Bergh says of Thompson, “Sarah is a very natural, down-to-earth and humble person. I like that because it suits the Bertha character. She’s also very committed to the project.”
Many people are intrigued to know why Frans Cronje is making this film about his brother. He explaiins: “There are lessons to be learned from Hansie’s life and his mistakes”. Cronje believes the media has misrepresented his brother’s story on many levels. “Someone needs to tell Hansie’s story in an accurate, well balanced way.” He also feels that many people need closure on Hansie’s life after the dramatic way in which he was pulled out of the international arena with the King Commission and his untimely death. “The movie has the blessing of all those who knew Hansie best, his close circle of friends and family,” he says.
Because this film is close to many South Africans’ hearts, Global Creative Studios has decided to give an opportunity for one lucky South African to be involved in the film and to see him/herself on the big screen. The winner of the “Look Mom, I’m in a movie” competition will not only win a cameo role in the movie but will also get to rub shoulders with the director, the actors and the crew for one day.
The public will have the opportunity to enter by going to www.hansiemovie.com for entry details.
After 12 weeks of pre-production, shooting commenced on 27 August. “Hansie”
will be released in South Africa in September 2008.
