Principal photography began last week on Jimmy in Pienk, a quirky new Afrikaans language comedy film from acclaimed local producer, Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat (Confessions of a Gambler, Skeem) of Light & Dark Films.
The film, which has received both development and production funding support from the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), is a quirky, fish-out-of-water comedy which tells the story of Jimmy Bester, a young mielie farmer, who travels to the big city in search of ways to save his family and its ailing farm. Starring in the lead role of Jimmy is Louw Venter (The Most Amazing Show, Semi Soet), who underwent a gruelling diet and exercise regime in preparation for the part.
The film boasts an all-star cast with such greats as Gys de Villiers (Hanna Hoekom, Verraaiers), Terence Bridgett (Disgrace, Skeem), Gerard Rudolf (Transito, Wolwedans in die Skemer), Tinarie van Wyk-Loots (Transito, Hond se Dinges), David Isaacs (Joe Barber, Skeem), Garth Collins (Getroud met Rugby, Superhelde) and Shaleen Surtie-Richards (Egoli, Fiela se Kind) all cast in major roles. Other names that have been added to the supporting cast list are Michelle Scott, Quanita Adams, Stefan Ludik, Nicola Hanekom and Erica Wessels.
The film will be shot entirely on location in Cape Town and surrounds, with an estimated wrap of principal photography on 4 August. Talented screenwriter and script editor Hanneke Schutte will make her directorial debut with Jimmy in Pienk. It is also the first feature film outing for up and coming young cinematographer, Jacques Koudstaal, who is best known for Die Vloed, a five-part mockumentary series he created for the release of local band, Foto Na Dans’s album in 2010.
Having secured major production funding from the NFVF, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Jimmy in Pienk is a shining example of the South African government’s dedication to investing in and developing local film industry talent and content.
