Heather Krieger, the co-writer and producer for The Lagoon, says the film will give insight into a South African culture not seen before.
An upcoming feature film by the Bridgetown Theatre Company (BTC) will create 170 temporary jobs, thanks to government funding, says the film’s executive producer, Zelda Hintsa.
Funding to produce The Lagoon was made possible by the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
The BTC will conduct auditions for actors and extras at the Grassy Park civic centre, on Saturday January 14, from 11am to 3pm.
“Usually, government film funding is only awarded to established film-makers and film-production companies,” said Ms Hintsa. “It is clear that the PESP and NFVF committee believe that BTC has the acumen, creativity and experience to justify their awarding of funding to produce a high-concept, commercially successful feature film like The Lagoon.”
The cast would consist of local established and first-time actors and job creation for the production formed part of the government's economic recovery and reconstruction plan, which would also “reactivate the film sector”, she said.
The 90-minute movie, which is billed as a part thriller, part drama, part action/adventure, deals with gender violence, environmental degradation, human trafficking, corruption, injustice, and cyber crime.
Co-writer and producer Heather Krieger, said: “This film will give insight into a South African culture not seen before because it complies with the PESP and NFVF mission statement of funding and supporting film productions that impart knowledge, information and entertainment.
“One of the most popular film genres today is the mix genre - drama, action, adventure, thriller - format. The Lagoon takes this genre and turns it into a uniquely new South African take, placing a strong woman lead at the centre of a hard-hitting, fast-moving, and completely South African film that could be tomorrow's headline. The Lagoon is that headline.”
In April 2020, the BTC helped to produce Melody, a 26-episode drama series on SABC 2.
Associate producer Shariefa Wagner said Melody had been filmed in Athlone, creating work there for more than 5 000 people.
“In the same way, we would like to use The Lagoon as a conduit for training actors and film-makers, skills development, job creation and business opportunities for township small to medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, with a special focus on the previously disadvantaged youth.”
To register for an audition, call 083 267 4099.