To say I’m a Cape Town lover is an understatement. However, this only applies during the hot summer months when the weather is warm and the wind isn’t trying to blow you over.
Last week, which happened to fall slap bang in the dead of winter, I found myself in the air and on the way to Cape Town; but I was fully prepared: windbreakers, umbrella, boots and all.
“Cute,” was probably what Mother Nature uttered under her breath when she took one look at this Jozi girl and made sure the elements enthusiastically welcomed me to the coast. I didn’t have much time to complain though; I was on another LallaLand mission.
A few weeks back I stumbled across an article on the Internet that read “Local film wins 8th international award before it’s even released.“ Needless to say I was intrigued and read up as much as I could on this local production titled Krotoa, directed by veteran Roberta Durrant.
It’s a story unfamiliar to many South Africans, set in the mid-1600s during the time of van Riebeeck. But according to Google, Krotoa is said to be one of the most written about female figures in South African history.
I was excited to see how production went about bringing Krotoa’s story to life, and when I was told LallaLand was covering the local film premiere, I was thrilled.
Ster-Kinekor organised a private screening a few days before I headed down to the Cape. After I walked out of the film, I felt a multitude of emotions, had a ton of questions and needed to discuss the topic with anyone who’d give me the time of day.
I was eager to chat to the director, writers, and the cast about the project. There had been a little controversy around the inspired storyline, which fascinated me even more.
A few days later I found myself seated directly in front of Roberta Durrant at a quaint hotel in Tamboerskloof, discussing her latest venture. I witnessed the love and passion she has for telling local stories and historic pieces that challenge an audience.
I was able to grab a few minutes with some of the cast too. Veteran in the game, Deon Lotz, is always great to chat with. His warmth and presence fill a room instantaneously, a total 180-degree flip to his character Roelof de Man, an ice-cold Dutch colonial administrator.
Ernest St. Clair and Jacques Bessenger followed. I noticed the excitement and pride they both shared, being part of this unique film that boasts eight international film awards and has six official selections at other international film festivals around the globe.
I was keen to speak to Crystal-Donna Roberts who gave a stellar performance as Krotoa, and Armand Aucamp who portrays Jan van Riebeeck; but due to their shooting schedules we were informed Crystal would only be available at the premiere, and Armand wouldn’t be at all. I was a little bummed.
After a quick wardrobe change, we made it out to the red carpet in Tygervalley. A Xhosa choir opened the evening with a fantastic performance and grabbed the attention of the public. There was a tangible buzz around the carpet and reporters lined up by the stanchions, eager to grab a brief moment or two with the cast and crew.
The turnout was wonderful and by far one of the most successful local premieres I have attended. Crystal looked beautiful and beamed as she walked down the line and mingled with the attendees. She radiates a humble confidence paired with her natural beauty, and I couldn’t help but love her more after our brief chat.
I still find myself chatting about the subject long after seeing the film and attending the premiere. It is an inspired story, not a factual account of Krotoa’s life, but something that might make you think and ask a few questions.
Up until its release, many South Africans weren’t aware of who she was, regardless of her significant impact on our country. Film is an amazing medium that has the ability to entertain, educate, challenge our thoughts, shake up our views and transport us to different worlds without us having to do very much.
Wherever you sit on the fence, this film deserves a bit of your time. I hope you take a look at it and truly hope more support comes through for films such as this. I hope filmmakers are inspired to create more, take more risks, and be respected for it.
REVIEW
An inspired account of a real life story many South Africans are unaware of.
Krotoa is a thought-provoking story transporting audiences to the time of Jan van Riebeeck (Armand Aucamp) and the Dutch East India Company in the mid-1600s.
Crystal-Donna Roberts gives a captivating performance as Krotoa and takes the audience on a revolutionary journey as the Khoi woman who made much headway for the relations between the Dutch and the Khoi during unstable times.
The ups and downs she faces due to the extraordinary path her life takes is the basis of this stirring version by writers Kaye Anne Williams and Margaret Goldsmid.
Battling misogyny, racism, love, pain and destruction, this drama talks to the heart of people across the globe and brings light to the way in which many native women were victims of the colonialist system.
The are beautiful moments with carefully crafted cinematic visuals throughout the film. Director Roberta Durrant brings to life the unfamiliar story of Krotoa.
This film is a local production definitely worth a watch.
3.5 / 5
Watch the LallaLand interviews with the cast and director of Krotoa on Sunday 20 August at 20:25 on M-Net Movies Premiere.