Director Marvin-Lee Beukes talks more about new South African movie
Audiences in search of uniquely South African Afrikaans comedic relief are in for a treat this week with the release of Frankie en Felipé hitting the big screens in local cinemas this Friday February 23.
Born in Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape and later moving and matriculating in Paarl, South African actor and director of this movie, Marvin-Lee Beukes, is a familiar talent in the industry and in a Q&A with CARMEN JACOBS, he reveals more about this new film.
The film stars actors Solomon Cupido and Bradley Olivier (who passed away in 2023), not only in leading roles, but the talented duo are also the writers and producers of the movie which tells the story of two estranged half-brothers who, through the tricky situation Felipé finds himself entangled in, are forced to navigate through hilarious challenges and revisit and work through hardships of the past.
Other cast members include great South African acting industry giants such as IIlse Klink, Zane Meas, Lee-Ann van Rooi, Brendon Daniels, Shimmy Isaacs, Kim Syster, Bianca Flanders, Danny Ross and Melissa de Vries-Joseph. Interestingly, adding to the local appeal of the movie, is the fact that the producers, writers, line producer and director are all originally proudly from Paarl.
Who is the target audience for this movie? MLB: From the offset, the primary audience was coloured people specifically from the Western and Eastern Cape. The amazing thing about working with coloured, people is realising how connected we are. I am always amazed at just how shared our experiences are. And because of that, there’s something in this film that I think coloured people will really resonate with. That being said, I’ve watched it with mixed audiences and the response has been great, no matter the race.
Which themes or elements in the movie will resonate most with audiences? MLB: I feel like this film is a celebration of so many aspects of our humanity: our capacity to forgive, to accept, to overcome, to achieve whatever we decide on. But also, we focus on trust, and trust broken of acceptance — both of others and of yourself.
What were some of your highlights and challenges in directing this movie? MLB: Working with Bradley and Solly was a definite highlight. I am forever grateful for the chance to help bring this film to life. It feels like a film that has already taken on a life far bigger than even Bradley or Solly could have imagined. The challenges are long forgotten, all that remains now is this beautiful ode to Bradley and his love for his people, his love for cinema, and a celebration of the friendship between Brad and Solly that I was lucky to have witnessed. What a team they were!
What do you think makes this movie a unique and authentic South African offering? MLB: Everything! Everything about this movie is a uniquely South African offering. There are jokes and sayings and characters in this film that can be seen and heard at your nearest corner shop. I would go so far as saying it’s a uniquely Kaapse offering, although it does resonate with a wider audience, which just goes to show how much we share as HUMANS of all races and backgrounds. Go see it, and you'll see what I mean.
Describe the experience in working with such a formidable cast? MLB:The cast was a director’s dream. I would look at the people gathering around the breakfast table in the morning and would have to pinch myself. They made my job much easier.
What do you think of the final product? MLB: I am way too close to the movie to give an unbiased opinion. But, what I can say is that I love seeing what it does to people when they watch it. From raucous laughter, to tears, and then immediately back to laughter again— it’s pure joy to watch people enjoying our movie.
What do you want audiences to take away from this film? MLB:I want people to leave the cinema with a full heart, with a love for their heritage, for their culture, for their family, and even for that one bra that never paid them back the money he borrowed to pay ‘school fees’. It’s okay, forgive that bra, move on. But seriously, if people can leave the cinema feeling like the world is a slightly better place, then that is a job well done on our part.