On 19 October 2014, South African director Tyron Janse van Vuuren’s short film Preparation won both the Audience Award and the Jury Award at the Shnit International Film Festival in Cape Town. Oscar-winning director Gavin Hood was the jury president.
Originally founded in Bern, Switzerland, the Shnit Festival takes place on five continents, showcasing the best short films from across the globe.
Preparation is based on Heath Ledger’s preparation to play the role of the Joker in the action movie The Dark Knight. The film tells the story of a Hollywood actor who isolates himself in a hotel room for six weeks to prepare for a role.
The main character in Preparation was played by South African actor Stiaan Smith, who prepared for the role for six months before filming began.
For more information on the film, visit the director’s website.
