Filming of new Afrikaans musical commences

8 Mar 2012

Hartiwood Films has announced the start of principal photography of Pretville at Hartbeespoort in the North West Province. The brand new Afrikaans musical reunites the talented filmmaking team behind the 2010 blockbuster Liefling, Die Movie - producers Paul Kruger and Emma Kruger, and co-producer and director Linda Korsten.

The film is a rollicking Afrikaans musical set in the 1950s. In the small, bright and vibrant fictitious town of Pretville, anything is possible and lots of interesting things happen all the time.

Also on board is the internationally acclaimed composer and songwriter Machiel Roets who has composed approximately 27 brand new Afrikaans songs for the film. Roets has worked as musical director on pantomimes and musicals in London for more than 12 years.

Entire set was built from scratch

"With Pretville we hope to capture the 1950s that we largely missed out on," says director Linda Korsten. "This film is colourful and full of fun, music and dance. You'll recognise many of the characters even if you don't know them. One thing is certain, once you have visited the town of Pretville, you cannot help but feel happy."

The film harks back to an era characterised by charm and romance. In the tradition of Grease and Hairspray, it's madly colourful and stylish. It's also big on costumes, with a wardrobe and sumptuous set design never before seen in a local movie. The entire set was built from scratch at Hartbeespoort and encompasses a town hall, diner, hair salon, garage, funeral parlour and other distinctive small town features. Because it's set in the 1950s, audiences will also be able to feast their eyes on a gorgeous collection of classic vintage cars.

Production values are world class

"We have assembled the best cast, the best music and the best vintage vehicles for this film," says producer Paul Kruger. "There is no doubt in my mind that we are producing something truly unique and fun. The town we have built is amazing and we are really proud of our art department. As with Liefling, Die Movie the production values of the film are world class."

In the lead are Marlee van der Merwe, newcomer Eugene Jensen and Marno van der Merwe. Also starring in the film are Terence Bridgett as a flamboyant hairdresser Pierre Lukuveer who also happens to be the mayor of Pretville. Other well known stars appearing in the film include Annette Engelbrecht, Lizz Meiring, Steve Hofmeyr, Rina Nienaber, Emo Adams, Margit Meyer-Rodenbeck, Willem Botha, Sanet Ackerman, Kevin Leo and Jakkie Louw, as well as a line-up of fresh, young talent.

The film is slated to open in November 2012.