A Rocklands’ actor and actress achieved accolades at the Silverskerm Film Festival.
Actress Megan Saayman, 28, was nominated for the award of best actress for a feature film and Joshwin Dyson, 21, won best supporting actor in the Afrikaans feature film, Old Righteous Blues.
Filmed in Robertson, the film tells the story of Hantjie, played by Ayden Croy, an ambitious young man with a burning desire to become the drum major of his Christmas choir. However, the older leaders are not in favour of this. To make matters worse, the love of Hantjie’s life, Risi, played by Megan, is the daughter of the hated opposition choir’s leader.
Screenwriter Carol Shore, who was previously the main writer of the soap opera Muvhango and lives in Robertson, as well as Old Righteous Blues’ director, Muneera Sallies, enjoyed telling this story of Robertson’s people.
Saayman was shocked to be nominated for the award of best actress for a feature film. “I don’t do what I do to be recognised in that way. It is lovely but I do my work to the best of my ability through the help of the Lord. I support my fellow actors and also continue telling people’s stories,” she said.
“I loved playing this role, it reminded me so much of myself. She was family-orientated and wanted stability in her love interest. It was soft, feminine with a little bit of sass,” she said.
She is thankful that this is her first feature film in the professional industry. She got to work with industry greats which, she said, was an honour for her. She hopes that people will be reminded of community culture and unity when they watch the film.
Joshwin played the role of Elvin Jansen. He is regarded as the best trumpet player in Robertson. He and Hantjie shared a close bond as they shared a passion for the band but later in the film met with some challenges.
He said he was speechless and honoured when he won this award on Saturday August 26 at the festival.
“I am thankful to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, my mom, dad, and grandma. I dedicated the award to my brother who passed away when I was 10,” he said.
“I am extremely proud of the work I brought to this character and film. Seeing myself in a film motivated me even further to carry on with my dreams and goals. I was truly proud and grateful for this piece of work. Also thankful towards my director, Muneera Sallies, and the cast and crew of Old Righteous Blues,” he said.
For anyone who thinks they can’t make it, hard work and consistency is all it takes, he said.
“I will continue to tell our people’s stories, and to bring up the coloured community, for we can be great if we support each other,” said Joshwin.
Other winners at the festival for Old Righteous Blues were Dean Abrahams for best production design and Edward George King for best original soundtrack.
Ayden will send comment by 9am
