SASOLBURG – Is he the local golden boy who will make a name on the silver screen?

Wian Fourie, a 19-year-old filmmaker originally from Sasolburg, is currently a second-year film student at AFDA. He matriculated at Sasolburg High School.

He and his dedicated crew are filming an independent short film titled Blackout in Sasolburg. Wian is the writer, director, and producer of this film.

The production was filmed at the Etienne Rousseau Theatre on July 5, followed by filming at Sasolburg High School from July 6–10.

lackout is a psychological drama set within a theatre production and explores themes of performance, self-doubt, identity, and belonging.

“The project is deeply personal to me, having been inspired by my own experiences with theatre and my time growing up in Sasolburg. In many ways, it serves as a love letter to theatre and the people who dedicate themselves to the performing arts,” says the dynamic young man.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to entertain people. From as young as six years old, I was making little narrative videos on my old Nokia phone.

“As I grew older, those evolved into short skits and videos throughout primary and high school. Eventually, while still at Sasolburg High School, I made my first short film, Closing Shift, using only my cellphone.”

“I’m incredibly fortunate to now be studying film professionally while also having the opportunity to independently produce a project like Blackout.

Filmmaking is a genuine passion of mine, and I hope to continue contributing to South Africa’s growing film industry throughout my career.

The idea to shoot a film came to Wian in June 2025, but developing the concept into something that could actually be filmed took much longer than writing the screenplay itself.

He completed the first draft in January 2026. The actual writing process took roughly two weeks.

“The biggest challenge was refining the concept, exploring its themes, and building the world before putting it onto paper,” says Wian.

What makes this project particularly special is that it has been built almost entirely through community support.

While the film is an independent production with no direct affiliation to a film school, many of the cast and crew members are young creatives and students, including several from AFDA.

In total, the production consists of approximately eight crew members and more than sixteen cast members, including performers, production assistants, and extras.

The project has also received support from local businesses and community members. Villa Verde Guest House has provided accommodation assistance, while numerous parents, volunteers, and community supporters have contributed in various ways to help make the production possible.

“We have also received valuable support from the Etienne Rousseau Theatre and Sasolburg High School, whose involvement has been instrumental in bringing the project to life,” says Wian.

Additionally, the film has received partial executive producing support from South African actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Bouwer Bosch, further reinforcing the project’s professional aspirations.

Once filming is complete, the project moves into post-production, where the film is edited, colour graded, and the sound is completed.

Following completion, Blackout will be submitted to local and international film festivals, with plans for public screenings in both Sasolburg and Johannesburg before its eventual online release.