An aspiring Rocklands writer has been given the chance to write a screenplay for an action short film named Aapie.
Abigail Jones, 28, from Rocklands responded to an article in the Plainsman calling for creative writers (“Call to writers to join film project”, Plainsman, November 22, 2023). She applied and was selected to write the storyline and layout of the film project, fulfilling a dream of hers.
Touched By Style Community Arts Projects and Films (TBS) founder Patrick Lategan, who will produce the film project, said the story is about a young orphaned girl who endured hardship, joys, heartaches and special moments that led her to a destination of becoming the hero her community needed, embracing her purpose in life.
Nine creative writers sent in their creative stories but Abigail’s stood out, said Nic Matthee, Director and choreographer at TBS.
The TBS creative team hope Abigail will become a part of their creative team and assist in more community-based film work programmes, he said.
Abigail said: “I have been writing from a very young age and enjoyed writing essays at school, especially creative writing. My first book Blue Monday was never published.
Abigail had written the book when she was seven years old and describes writing as her comfort zone.
“I am so excited to start this journey,” she said.
Abigail says she got the name for the screenplay from a nickname that her older brother gave her. He called her Aapie due to her stubborn and wild nature, being fascinated by real life experiences and stories, she said.
“I was always looking for an opportunity like this and found it advertised in the Plainsman. Do not to give up on your dreams, no matter what, there are opportunities out there, keep on moving, try and fail, but never not try,” said Abigail.
She believes by changing the world, it will take one step at a time and growing up in Mitchell’s Plain makes her very proud that talent can flourish in the community, she said.
Production for Aapie will start in June.
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