Local action movie to hit big screen

After eight long years and many hardships, locally produced movie, The Bush Knife is ready to hit cinemas countrywide.

This action thriller was completed in 2015, but it was shelved and the actors and crew were left disappointed year after year. The movie has now reached international standards after re-editing and will be on the big screen at Ster-Kinekor on March 15.

Lead actor and producer Bruce Gounder, a mid-South Coast resident, said that he is still coming to terms with this life-changing news and believes that dreams do come true.

“This has got to be one of the most exciting times of my life, and I never gave up hope through this difficult journey,” he said.

“We faced numerous challenges putting the movie together and reaching this point where it is finally ready for South Africans to view. I kept a thick skin through it all, overcoming all of the negativity and hate.”

What’s special about this locally produced film, is that it features several residents from the mid-South Coast and showcases a number of stunning locations in the area.

Some of the movie scenes were shot in Umzinto, Park Rynie, Preston, Umkomaas and Scottburgh. A couple of local businesses also had their time to shine when scenes were shot at their business premises such as at a local car wash, furniture store, fruit and veg store, petrol station and even at GJ Crookes Hospital, to name but a few places.

The Bush Knife is about a father who is an ordinary factory worker who goes to great lengths to keep his family safe, particularly his two daughters.

“I used method acting to become this character and with the limited resources we had on set, the film crew made the most of it,” added Gounder.

The movie is said to give off an 80s vibe with its music and style, and take note that there is an age restriction.

Finally, being on the big screen as a lead actor has been overwhelming for Gounder who has always been passionate about the film industry ever since he was a learner. In his younger days, he used to sweep the cinema in Umzinto, just to watch free movies and now feels so grateful to be on the other end, as a movie star.

“The movie release is days away and I am already getting congratulatory messages from friends, family and even strangers,” he said.

“This entire process has encouraged people in the local film industry to never give up on their dreams. Regardless of everything I faced as an actor, as well as The Bush Knife crew, we eventually did it!”

This has also been inspiring for Gounder’s students at his film academy who are stoked to see their teacher’s leading debut, and it has also attracted many other aspiring actors to join his academy.

“I’d like to thank the South Coast community for their support over the years and I am very excited to share this movie with everyone. This is definitely one of the highlights of my 35-year career in the industry.”

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