A local film to make you feel
Learn more about the recently released film Table Manners from those involved in its conception and production.
Since local film Table Manners opened in cinemas on 28 September, Rosebank Killarney Gazette spoke to the director, scriptwriter and an actor who live in our distribution area to gain insight on this ‘slice of life’ film.
Safta award-winning writer, actress and Illovo resident Nkuli Sibeko was inspired to write the script following the collapse of her marriage and her love for food. “I was learning to redefine myself out of wedlock and creating Megan [the main character played by Diaan Lawrenson known for her role as Paula on 7de Laan] was me dealing with it,” Sibeko explained.
This is the third film by Jack&Jill productions, directed by Killarney resident Leli Maki Esq with an original soundtrack produced by local band The Plastics.
The film takes a look at how mother Megan manages to deal with her fairytale life crashing down after her husband gets arrested for fraud resulting in the family losing everything they own.
“The film is about loss, love and finding yourself again through your passions,” said Sibeko.
“It’s about resilience and learning that you are enough. In failure, there is still joy. You have yourself and that’s enough,” adding that cooking helps Megan rediscover herself again.
Megan’s son Devan, played by popular TV personality Freek Robinson’s son Julian, is where Megan finds much of her strength.
Julian, now 13, who lives in Greenside and attends Laerskool Unika in Randburg, said he had previously acted in TV adverts and on TV show Binnelanders, so this film was a new challenge for him. “I was like ‘a movie, yes'” said Julian confidently. “It’s totally different to adverts, more complicated, but fun. There were times where I messed up on set and had to do it over, but the environment was very relaxed and those times were my highlights.” When asked what he learnt from the older, more experienced actors on set, Julian responded cheekily, “Nothing, I’m perfect,” with a chuckle.
Maki Esq explained that he cast Julian because he wanted someone who was a natural performer who showed strength and vulnerability. “I want to see Julian’s progression as an actor and hopefully cast him again in a few years,” he said.
The English film depicts a vibrant, multi-cultural dynamic society. “While we believe we can compete with the rest of the world, we know that this film will resonate with South Africans and want to keep it here,” he added.”Come to the movie hungry to see something special. We wanted to create something that would make people feel.”
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