South African filmmaker Dana Jacob writes about her experiences in the Johannesburg leg of this year’s 48 Hour Film Project short film competition. Jacob writes: If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to make a movie, then scrap all those previous notions. Try 48 hours.
For the past three years, the 48 Hour Film Project Johannesburg has run a short film competition – a competition where teams draw a genre out of a hat, write, shoot, edit and score a seven-minute film in a mere 48 hours. Each year, the number of entries doubles (2010 – 25 teams; 2011 – 46 teams; 2012 – 80 teams).
Last year, team “baby, I love you’, headed by myself, Red Cherry TV’s creative director, came second for our movie Devil Boys, which also received numerous other awards: the director Ben Crossman won Best Director, I was nominated for Best Producer, Robo Wilson was nominated for Best Cinematographer and Carl Beukes was nominated for Best Actor and won for Best use of Line (teams are required to incorporate a given line of dialogue or risk disqualification).
Devil Boys caused quite a stir, considering the mystery behind the actors and locations. Ben and I still won’t divulge much information on this matter except for the fact that most of the cast, especially the boys that play the Devil Boys, regularly appear in many music videos.
In this year’s competition, our team drew mockumentary as the genre yet again, much to our delight. Titled Veronika, our movie deals with a search for a street artist who reveals her unexpected identity. The look of the film naturally exudes an imaginative style using artist Veronika’s actual masterpieces. Ben continues to wow the audience with his creative flair and off-centre genius that makes for a visually and intellectually stimulating short. He has this innate skill to create an intense build up and excitement in his films that is electrifying.
Carl Beukes (of Isidingo fame) stars as the lead, with his charismatic style and magnificent delivery. One cannot help but be mesmerised by his on-screen presence. Not only is he recognisable from countless TV commercials, but he has starred in a string of feature films alongside heavyweights such as Shannyn Sossamon (Stealing Time) and Sienna Miller (The Gir’) – and yes, he got to kiss them both. The team was grateful that Carl participated for a second time even though he didn’t get his own trailer.
Wilma Smit (ex MK presenter for MK Flits and MK Rockspaaider), new to the 48HFP, is excellent as the lead actress. Her natural ethereal elegance and grace sees her being juxtaposed against a backdrop of street art, spray paint and hip hop, adding a refreshing contrast and edge to the composition. The film also features many cameo appearances by familiar, talented actors and well-known street artists.
Be sure to catch Veronika (GROUP H) at the 48 Hour Film Project premiere where you can meet the cast and crew. Screenings of “Veronika’ take place at the Killarney Mall Cinema’s (http://www.cinecentre.co.za/) on Tuesday 18 September at 8pm and on Thursday 20 September at 6pm. Get tickets (only R35) early as they were sold out last year. There will also be an opportunity to vote for your favourite film at the screenings, so do support our local talent for a chance to win the Audience Award.
In the meantime, Team “baby, I love you’ have released their trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1qK_tBpwLI&feature=share
You can also join “Veronika’s’ Facebook page and follow her on Twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/VeronikaTheMovie
http://www.facebook.com/events/459931980717742/
@veronikamovie (https://twitter.com/Veronikamovie)
