The excitement from the 12th Silwerskerm Festival is still going strong as Afrikaans TV stars and fans celebrate the latest in local entertainment.
The festival offered a sneak peek into what’s coming up and it looks like viewers are in for some great shows and movies.
Stiaan Smith, celebrated for his work on the Safta-winning series “Hotel”, penned “Die Bloedhonde” during an unforgettable three-year van life journey with his fiancée, Elani Dekker.
He wrote the part of Katrien for his partner, whom he starred opposite in the South African Oscar entry, “Toorbos”.
The film tells the story of Katrien, who while camping with her family, starts to suspect that the beloved local dominee might be responsible for an apparent suicide at the resort.
With a middle-aged drifter as her only ally, she throws everything into the battle to prove the church, the community and her own family wrong.
Meanwhile, this period on the road for the couple was more than a travel adventure; it was a time of self-discovery and deep reflection.
Their journey around South Africa deeply influenced the film’s development.
Dekker reflects on this period, stating: “I think there’s a Katrien in both of us. The van life helped us re-evaluate our relationships with our families and taught us the importance of accepting diverse perspectives.
“This whole project just constantly reminded me and challenged me to let go of my preconceived notions of other people and what they should or shouldn't do and what I should or shouldn't do.”
Smith further describes the film as a blend of suspense and personal growth, focusing on an unlikely duo who investigates a supposed suicide.
The story also delves into the complexities of family relationships and personal beliefs.
Smith shares that the film “is a story about how true connection can only be achieved once you let go of your need to be right and allow others to be who they are and believe what they believe”.
Tobie Cronjé, another key player in the film, takes on the role of Dominee Lukas.
Multi-award-winning Waldemar Schultz plays Jasper, the middle-aged drifter who becomes Katrien’s ally in her quest to uncover the truth behind the apparent suicide.
“I hope the film gets people thinking and talking with friends and family, especially if they recognise some of the relationship dynamics on screen,” says Dekker.
∎ Die Bloedhonde premieres on Showmax on Friday, September 6, 2024.
Watch trailer here: