Stilte, a new Afrikaans feature film by Oscar-nominated Darrell James Roodt, releases at cinemas in October.
Director Darrell James Roodt (Yesterday, Sarafina!, Cry, the Beloved Country) wrote the screenplay for Stilte, a film with an inspirational message.
Explains Roodt: “I had just recently seen US film Soul Surfer (about a teenage surfer girl who finds the courage to go back into the ocean after surviving a shark attack) and was intrigued by how that story struck a resonant chord with a bigger audience. So I shaped my film accordingly.
“It’s a faith-based story where the message surrounds the characters as opposed to being “preachy’. I loved writing it.’
Stilte will be released by Anton Ernst’s Azari Media production company, in association with United International Pictures (UIP) and Next Entertainment. Ernst, who regularly works with Roodt, produced the film with Christianne Bennetto.
Inspirational story
They were looking for a new project at the end of 2011 and initially discussed making an Afrikaans horror film. Says Ernst: “We decided it felt more right to do an inspirational story like Stilte.’
According to Roodt the film is essentially about the test of faith when things are at the lowest point they can possibly go. “We all experience that in our lives, I’m certain,’ says Roodt. “This is a film about finding light in the darkness.’
In the film a beautiful and talented young singer Antoinette van Wyk (Angelique Pretorius) is hit by a tragedy that leaves her traumatised and refusing to speak or sing again. To recover she goes to stay with her aunt (Chante Hinds) and uncle (Chris de Clerq) who live on a farm in the Karoo. There she encounters a young pastor (Andre Frauenstein) who helps her make sense of the tragedy.
Pre-production commenced in December 2011 and the camera started rolling in February 2012.
The film was shot on digital by director of photography Pierre Smith.
Says Roodt: “Digital is more accessible and we used the Canon 5D, which I love. It might be tricky to work with – especially the focus – but it gives a truly cinematic look to your film when it is projected on a big screen. Much more so than any of the more expensive cameras, in my opinion.’
Spectacular landscapes
For the look of the film, Roodt explains that they were going for big landscape shots in the best light. “Some of the shots are truly spectacular, even if I say so myself. I think your biggest ally on a low-budget film is going to an exotic location and maximising its potential. We were in the Little Karoo and the views were breathtaking wherever you pointed the camera.
“We were shooting at a location about an hour outside Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, where a swathe of red rock has cut through the traditional blue mountains. Awesome!’
He adds that the biggest challenge on set was the heat: “I’ve never seen so many cold drinks drunk on a movie set.’
According to Roodt he had worked with actress Angelique Pretorius (Winnie, Stoute Boudjies) before, and wrote the script for her because he was convinced that she could be a leading lady. “She proved me right,’ he says.
“For the male lead I was going to cast an older pastor initially, but I was persuaded to go younger and I’m glad I did. Andre Frauenstein (Eternity) brings a freshness to the story – a youthfulness – that otherwise might have been lost in the Karoo sunsets. Chris De Clerq and Chante Hinds were also the ultimate “uncle and aunt’.’
Music plays a prominent role in the film, as the lead character is a singer, and Roodt explains that the film features a number of original compositions, as well as a “selection of favourites’. “The score, beautifully and delicately balanced, is by Alli Heyns and Anastasia Ferrara. I was blown away by their contribution. It makes the film ache.’
Funding
The film was funded by private equity and the Department of Trade and Industry rebate. Although it was shot on a low-budget of about R3.7m, Ernst notes that with all the experience involved in the production, it is worth much more on screen.
He explains that, while the film has a strong Christian message, it should appeal to a wider target audience in the 25 to 55 age group. “It’s an inspirational film, but it’s also a very real film dealing with the real South African issues such as crime, and how many chances a person has to start over. I don’t think you need to be Christian, or even Afrikaans, to like this movie.
“We live in hard enough times, I think people want to be inspired while they are entertained,’ says Ernst.
Roodt and Ernst have finished production on two other feature films called The Little Kings and Little One.
Stilte will be released by UIP at 40 cinemas nationwide on 12 October.
By Linda Loubser
screen africa magazine – september 2012
