Forsaken – the movie
Scenes from the movie Forsaken are being shot in Springs.
A huge crew could be seen at the house in Kent Circle, Petersfield on March 10, where the author and director Willie Olwage and his family grew up.
The original title was “Waar is God”, but Incense Productions owner Morné Lane says it has such a strong story-line that it can go international.
“Willie changed the name to Forsaken,,” says Morné.
With the strong story-line about a family’s struggle with illness and acceptance of how to deal with it, popular Afrikaans singer Gerhard Steyn and Afrikaans actor Johan Stoltz were asked to be part of the crew as father and son.
Morné feels he is very blessed to have these two on board.
Although Gerhard studied drama and played a tiny part in the Afrikaans soapie 7de Laan, he never thought of playing in a movie.
“I did hesitate when I heard they wanted me to act in the movie, but now I can identify myself with the role as William Olwage,” he says.
He feels strongly about the fact that he made a personal connection with the role and it is an honour and privilege to be mentored by Johan Stoltz.
Johan says it is an honour to be in a position to mentor Gerhard, as he did not receive personal attention when he started acting.
The role of William’s father, Pastor William Olwage, comes naturally to Johan.
“It is an unbelievable passion to share the stage with God and I do not see it as work,” he adds.
Both Johan and Gerhard’s wish is the public will not see ‘them’ in the movie, but rather the characters they play.
