Klein Karoo, a new Afrikaans romantic comedy-drama, will open in cinemas countrywide in February 2013. Set in the beautiful Swartberg, just outside Oudtshoorn, the film tells the story of Cybil Ferreira, a dedicated young teacher from Oudtshoorn, who will do anything in her power to ensure that her dream of building a recreational centre at the local farm school Kalfieskraal comes true.
Cybil is determined to provide the children of the Swartberg valley with a safe haven, but her plan is about to be shelved before it can get off the ground as the land on which the little school has been developed is up for sale, and not one of the potential buyers is interested in her idea – not even her super wealthy fiance Meyer Labuschagne, a local ostrich farmer, who has no interest in the project or the future of the local children. Although the story is fictional, it reflects the harsh reality of the lives of many of the children living in the region.
Cybil’s only hope is to approach the director of the Global Upliftment Fund, who is visiting the area in search of community initiatives to support, and to convince him that the recreational centre is a worthy cause.
But then Frans Coetzee shows up. A television journalist suffering from a broken heart, he is in the Klein Karoo region to film a documentary on community development and upliftment projects in the area and hopefully, in the process, to forget about love, women and all the associated problems that go along with them.
When Cybil and Frans cross paths, the attraction is instant and both their worlds are turned completely upside down. If Cybil follows her heart, will she have to give to give up on her dream to help the children? Or will true love give her the ability to fulfil all her wishes? And is Frans ready to give love another chance?
The film is directed by Regardt van den Bergh (Hansie, Faith like Potatoes). “The story is fresh and told with honesty, and the location in which it was set excited me,’ says Van den Bergh. “I knew that we could make a beautiful film in the Klein Karoo. Nothing compares with shooting a film in the platteland where you have the enthusiasm and support of the local community. In addition, every actor took on and truly lived their roles. The result is a skilfully told story that has translated well onto the big screen thanks to a great cast and excellent camera work by Jorrie van der Walt.’
The role of Cybil is played by Donnalee Roberts (Annelie in 7de Laan). Hykie Berg (Binnelanders, and the winner of Survivor 2011) stars as her rich fiance. Tim Theron (Lagnes, Vloeksteen) is the handsome Frans. Other well known local stars who appear in the film are Anel Alexander (Semi-Soet, 7de Laan), Leandi du Randt (Getroud met Rugby), Marion Holm, Sisanda Henna, Rika Sennet and Bouwer Bosch, all of whom bring to life the intrigue of life in a small town. The music is by Helmet Meijer.
Klein Karoo is distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution. “Klein Karoo is the latest in a steady stream of quality Afrikaans films with excellent production values,’ says Helen Kuun, CEO of Indigenous Film Distribution. In the tradition of romantic comedies, this is a fun and heart-warming film that brings the challenges of life and love in a small town to the big screen.’
View the trailer on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1l6c8cfiRQ&feature=relmfu.
