Before its theatrical release in South Africa, new romantic comedy Konfetti had
already attracted international attention, having been chosen to screen at the
Beverly Hills Film Festival and the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in
the US.
Telling the tale of Jean Voster (Nico Panagio), an Afrikaans boy who is about to
marry Sheila Lieberman (Casey B Dolan), a Jewish girl, Konfetti touches on
deeper issues and “unwraps’ its characters methodically, without sentiment,
laying bare the issues of ordinary people who try and find ways to escape the
“boxes’ in which they had placed themselves.
“This film assumes the best of its audience. It is witty, sophisticated and funny
and doesn’t try and adhere to the perceived Afrikaner Zeitgeist or our local
obsession with political correctness,’ says Louw Venter, writer and co-star of
the movie.
Venter first approached accomplished producer Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat of Cape
Town-based Light and Dark Films (Jacob’s Cross, Confessions of a Gambler,
Skeem, Jimmy in Pienk) with the idea to make a big-screen adaptation of The
Best Man’s Speech, Venter’s one-man play, which he wrote and performed in
2006.
Playing the role of best man Lukas, who goes on a drinking spree, forgets to
book the wedding orchestra, and then unwittingly asks the bride’s nemesis to
perform at the ceremony, Venter describes Konfetti: “as a high-stakes, energy-
charged event that brings a huge variety of interrelated characters together in
one location, which is the perfect breeding ground for chaos and drama.
“The play resonated very powerfully with audiences in the three or four years I
performed it,’ continues Venter. “Zaheer and I spent six years making sure that
the final screenplay was something that entertained – even on paper. It
presents the audience with a story that satisfies both dramatically and
comedically.’
Konfetti is Goodman-Bhyat’s debut as a feature film director. “I resisted directing
a feature film until I was 40. Most people think directing a feature is the “Holy
Grail’ and they rush into it, get burnt and then don’t do it again.’
Biding his time seems to have paid off, judging by audience reaction. “Above
everything else, this is a film at a wedding, which required a certain glossy look,’
the director says. “It’s shot on Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch with
the Helderberg mountains in the background and is infused with incredible
golden light. The sets are gorgeous and everyone looks beautiful, because they
have to.’
Being firm believers in comedy and comedic timing, and with Konfetti referencing
films such as Death at a Funeral, The Hangover and The Wedding Singer,
choosing the cast was vital for Goodman-Bhyat and Venter, who specifically
wrote roles for Panagio and supporting actors Kim Engelbrecht and Casper de
Vries because of their audience appeal and screen chemistry.
Says Panagio, who has established himself as a strong lead actor in local
movies: “I believe South African audiences are hungry for some intelligent
humour. Louw Venter has written a beautiful, sincere screenplay which Zaheer
directed in a way that allows the organic journey of each cast member to weave
itself into an honest and touching film.’
