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FILM SET IN EERSTE RIVER: LOCAL ACTORS AND CREW USED IN ‘DESOLATION’
‘Eerstes’ takes a bow JAY-DEE CYSTER @jaydeecyster
I
t is rare that a movie is shot on one’s doorstep, but that is exactly the case for Eerste River residents, with the short film Desolation being shot in their community. The film, written and produced by DavidJohn Bailey, is currently being shot at various locations in and around Eerste River. What makes the project even more remarkable is that Bailey and his team have opted to cast mostly local actors. When TygerBurger visited the cast while filming at Community Women Action (CWA) in Eerste River, the team was busy at work filming a group scene taking place in a café. Bailey shares that the project forms part of an initiative undertaken by his non-profit organisation, Love the Doers. “Our NPO is a celebration of everyday people who get out there and do,” he explains. He says the idea for the NPO came about last year when he realised a nine-to-five job was not something he could see himself doing for the rest of his life. “I am a storyteller who wants to engender pride in our community by making this film,” he shares. Bailey, who has been a resident of Eerste River since his primary school days, says he wants to showcase Eerste River in a positive light and give it the exposure it deserves. “We have so many wonderful local stories that need to be told. Our kids are talented and can act, so that is why we felt it important to use them in this movie,” says Bailey. He says there was no auditioning process. “I cast people I met during my journey and when I wrote the script, I wrote it with them in mind.” Furthermore, Bailey says that his NPO has provided a platform for him to use his talent within the community. “This is a movement to awaken people, so that they too can believe that they can make a contribution,” he says. Desolation is the follow-up to Love the Doers’ first short film, Defection, released in September 2017. “This movie picks up a year after Defection left off and it deals with our main char-
David-John Bailey (actor/writer/producer), Amy Geduld (lead actress), Andre Mentoor (director) and Alfonzo Franke (director of photography/editor) film a scene for the short film Desolation. acter Dante’s struggle as he deals with the loss of his sister. He becomes reckless and wants to die, and so we see him going through that,” explains Bailey. “There are some strong universal elements coming through within this film.” Production started in mid-February and the film is set for release in March. Locations that feature in the film include the Body Future Gym, the local canal, the multipurpose centre, CWA as well as TG Braaf and Son Transport. “Everybody has been very accommodating even though many of the arrangements
were made at the last minute,” he says. Bailey shares that the film is being shot with no budget and that everyone involved is contributing their talent free of charge. The funds raised through the screening of Desolation will go towards the over R1 million budget necessary for the filming of a full-length feature film. “Making a full feature will guarantee 12 months of work for everyone involved,” says Bailey. As 80 to 90% of the film is being shot in Eerste River, Bailey says that screenings of the film will mostly take place locally.
“It’s just a matter of confirming the venue,” he says. Screenings will also take place in Mitchell’s Plain and Muizenberg. “Right now we are also still deciding on whether to submit the film to film festivals or to sell it on DVD,” he explains. Currently Love the Doers are piloting their initiatives in Eerste River, but they will be launching in and involving people from areas such as Bonteheuwel soon. “Our goal is to work with young talent. Bring your story and we will share it with everybody,” says Bailey.