Love makes the world go round in Mooirivier

How would you describe Mooirivier in your own words? What is it about?

It's a romantic, honest look at what it takes to conquer in love, told through multiple storylines, involving characters aged 10 to 40. It's not a typical fairy-tale take on love, but a fast moving, very entertaining plot, that takes you on a journey of the comical and at times sad reality of the various 'faces' of love.

How did you get involved with the project?

In 2012 at the kykNET Silwerskerm filmfees (where a short film of mine, Nantes, won best picture and director) Kaapland films approached me to pitch to write the screenplay for the concept. They selected me from that process and, from there, we started building on the treatment for the film. As it developed I fell completely in love with the stories and asked them to consider me as director for the project.

What inspired the story?

I believe that to create truly heartfelt stories that your audience can relate with and connect to, you have to dig deep into your own heart and the lessons in love and relationships you've learnt. Each of the stories includes an aspect of that. The concept was also loosely based on Love Actually. During script development I worked very closely with my producers and especially Tim Theron (also playing Paul Marais), each of whom gave an enormous amount of input and ideas on each of the stories. My husband, Corne van Rooyen, also played a huge part in workshopping the screenplay. That's why I believe the film is so special. It's the heart and soul of five people and the journeys we've all had in love; everything poured into one really interesting and intricate film.

It seems to be a world and people you are very familiar with?

Ha! Yes, that's partly answered in the 'inspired' part, because it is connected. I've experienced each of the storylines in one or other way. The producers wanted a story that wasn't a cliché and predictable, for that as a writer you have to be as authentic as possible. The best way in which to achieve this is to draw as much possible from what you have experienced. In the scriptwriting process we would get together almost every month (for a year) and talk about how we can base our character in true, everyday reality.

At its heart, it's a story about love. Are you a romantic at heart?

Ha! Not really. The film is romantic, the test audiences walked out with a very warm feeling - as if they could fall in love again - but I believe it's because we took another angle on love, rather than the purely romantic one. We show audiences that we can all find love, but it isn't necessarily the overly romantic Cinderella-Disney types we've been told from childhood. It's something different in Mooirivier and I think that's why the test audiences loved it.

It's also a soulful story about friendship, isn't it?

The best relationships I have in my life; with my family, my friends, colleagues and my husband all developed through a long-term commitment, where we continued to fight for each other, no matter how big the obstacles - and there have been obstacles! In this fast, MacDonald's generation I sometimes feel we are so inclined, to drop and leave when a small obstacle comes in the way of our relationships. True friendships are built through making sacrifices and fighting through certain obstacles.

Did you write any of the characters for specific actors?

No, the only character that was written with a specific actor in mind was Paul Marais, played by Tim Theron.

Was it difficult to separate your role as director and writer?

No, I see it as one whole. For me it's pivotal to take the project from script to screen. Story is the backbone of everything and solid directing can only happen if the screenplay is at a good place. I also write very visual, I'm almost 'shotlisting' the screenplay as I write, because of this process I have a very good visual idea of how the shots will cut together, even prior to filming.

The songs effectively underscore the emotional journey of the characters. Was it difficult to decide on the music for the film?

Yes it was extremely difficult. Tim Theron and I looked for the right tracks for months. We wanted to create a commercially successful soundtrack with a great amount of integrity. I'm personally in love with the soundtrack and each of the songs. Three of the tracks were also written and performed by Tim Theron, whilst the extremely talented Ewald Jansen van Rensburg produced the score. The scoring itself took about three months - we paid an immense amount of detail in defining each character through the scoring and building each arch in the narrative through it - and the result is goose-bump beautiful!

What are your views on the local film industry?

The Afrikaans film industry specifically is doing extremely well. There is a very strong movement away from the previous generation Afrikaans films, in which slapstick humour and superficial characters drove the plot. Because of the loyal support of the audience, Afrikaans filmmakers have really been able to hone their craft and the films being released in 2015 - from what I've seen - are something else! Great filmmaking with heartfelt acting; they are commercial stories with integrity that can compete internationally. I'm very excited to see what audiences say ...

Why do you think that Afrikaans films are so successful locally?

It's a small, but very loyal, market.

What do you hope that audiences will get from watching the film?

That they are extremely entertained for one! That they feel in love (it's released during Valentine's month, so it's the perfect match) and that they truly enjoy it, not only as a commercial film, but also critically rating it at a high standard. I'm so proud of the beautiful acting as well; I hope that they can connect with each of the characters.

Have you also wanted to be a screenwriter/ director? How did it start for you?

Yes. It's been a lifelong dream. I remember when I was eight years old, standing in front of the mirror, practising my Oscars speech. ( It's changed somewhat from that little girl's dream: I now want to be a filmmaker who takes local South African stories internationally and play a big part in creating a healthy mix of male and female driven narratives.)

Any advice for aspiring screenwriters/ filmmakers who would like to break into the industry?

It takes about seven years, 15 hour-plus workdays (I worked a normal day job for years and then in the evenings developed screenplays and film concepts) and never-ending determination. Pitch for short film contest and write as much as you can. Shoot what you write; it will go a long way in showing you what works from script to screen. Even if you were fortunate enough to study film, read every book on screenwriting; from Syd Field, Robert McKee, Blake Snyder etcetera and know the rules of screenplay structure before trying to break them. Work on film sets, even if it is for free. For two years I did everything from being a PA, to carrying C-stands with the gaffers and making coffee for the crew. It teaches you respect for every department and the work that they do.

What are your future projects?

There are feature film projects that I'm working on and I'm currently in pre-production of a kykNET drama series, which I'm directing from March to June, called Getroud met Rugby.

For more on Mooirivier and other new films opening on 6 February, go to www.writingstudio.co.za