Free State to tug your heart strings

Who would have thought Newcastle and Memel would ever become the perfect set for a movie? If you answered, “Not me,” well then, you are very wrong.

Free State is a South African feature film set in the picturesque Memel farmlands and occasionally in Newcastle. The movie delves into a part of the South African history many would rather forget, and follows a different line from every other struggle movie. Based in the 1970s the movie is about the love affair of Jeanette, played by model and actress, Nicola Breytenbach, and Ravi, played by former Mr South Africa, Andrew Govender.

This setting means their love was illegal and taboo. As the movie follows Jeanette through her life, it was filmed in four locations, namely: Lenasia, Laudium, Newcastle and Memel.

Pupils from Newcastle High School and Lincoln Heights Secondary School featured in the film as extras during a cricket match. The movie is written and produced by Sallas De Jager, son of the famous producer and senior advocate, Piet de Jager. Sarafina star, Leleti Khumalo, also stars in the film, as does well-known Bollywood star, Mangesh Desai.

To find out more about the film and the production, we chatted to Mr SA himself. For those who don’t know it, Andrew has his Honours in Actuarial Science and a degree in Statistics.

“Yeah, I am genuinely excited about the movie. I mean, it’s the first time I have a lead role in a feature film, and since acting is my real passion, I’m really hoping to excel in the role,” he said.

On set, Andrew is generally followed by a meticulous hair and make-up artist, ensuring his image is always camera perfect. Off set, he is calm, relaxed and professional; it is clear he loves what he is doing.

“We are extremely careful with everything we do, from our acting styles, to making sure lighting is perfect on the set. We want people to respect South African movies globally.”

This is the standard producer Salles De Jager is after, as he too wants South African cinema to take centre stage in the global market. What is always worth noting is that the crew believes in the story portrayed in the movie.

“It is an incredible love story; one that has not been touched before. It makes you feel empowered from within,” Andrew enthused.

It sounds like something worth checking out, and judging from the production quality, it is bound to make waves. Although the filming of the movie is complete, the movie is only expected to be released in India next year January and thereafter in South Africa in April.

Make sure to be on the lookout for Free State; maybe you will recognise some of your local landmarks!