Francesca Villette
PRINCE ALBERT: Nestled below the Swartberg Mountains in the Karoo, the lazy town of Prince Albert hosted the inaugural Indie Karoo Film Festival (IFKK) at the weekend.
Fifty independent film-makers showcased their work to industry roleplayers, fellow film-makers and an audience of about 450 people.
Festival founder and film-maker Johnny Breedt said the idea was sparked three years ago. He postponed hosting the festival more times than he would’ve liked as he was constantly travelling and making movies, Breedt said.
In May he decided that it was time that he finally committed to the project.
“Nine weeks ago I decided to set a date. The rest is history,” Breedt said.
A total of 110 movies were submitted for showcasing, of which 50 were selected.
The films were spread across four categories: full-length features, documentaries, short films and experimental films.
The best feature was awarded to Die Ontwaking, made by Breedt.
The best documentary went to Jeppe on a Friday by Shannon Welsh and Arya Lallo.
Best short film went to Ibhokwhe/The Goat by John Trengrove and best experimental film was awarded to What Abou’ de Lo by Charles Badenhorst.
A lifetime achievement award was given to film veteran Paul Eilers, who said he was the most nominated actor in the country, but had never won an award before this weekend’s festival.
“I have been nominated for everything, but I have never won anything. To youngsters in the film industry, count yourselves lucky. You have been blessed with so many opportunities. Thank you,” Eilers said as he accepted his award.
The main venue for the festival was the two-year-old R7 million state-of-the-art the Showroom Theatre. The Jans Rautenbach Schouwburg, both a theatre and a homestead, was the secondary venue.
The Sunshine Cinema, a solar-powered mobile cinema, set up a canvas army tent and served as a third venue.
On Friday night and Saturday morning, tourists to the area visited the Moonlight Market and were treated to authentic Karoo cuisine like ostrich meat and potjiekos.
Breedt said plans for another festival next year had already commenced.
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