THE long-awaited ‘#LANDoftheBRAVEfilm’ film premiered last Thursday. The 95-minute movie features a storyline on a tough female police officer who investigates a series of murders, only to encounter a ruthless journalist who exposes dark secrets from her past to derail the case.
The cop is determined to catch the killer, even if she has to break the law.
Despite a few negative comments from the public that the no-nonsense cop, played by Elize de Wee, seemed ‘over-the-top’ as well as some hard-to-believe scenes, the film impressed.
Director Tim Huebschle said he was adamant to use a combination of well-known and unfamiliar faces in the film. “I identified some actors such as Armas Shivute as Shivute and De Wee as Willemse, but actively scouted for others. We put out an online casting call and that is how we found Chridon Panizza as Suiker and Khadijah Mouton as Cherry. I also wanted a few local celebrities to play bit parts, so am very grateful that Gazza and Jarret Loubser from Radio Wave were game.”
Huebschle said he started working on the film 12 years ago. “I finished my first draft 10 years ago, but I was not happy with it. My second draft was done seven years ago, but I still was not impressed. So I am pleased that the film is finally here now.”
Huebschle said he decided to make the film because he wanted to showcase what is happening in Namibia. “We have alcohol abuse, speeding, dealing with your past, women being murdered and also the role of strong women,” he said.
De Wee, who retired from the industry a decade ago, said she decided to make a comeback because she always wanted to play a tough and brave cop. “To get into character was not difficult for me because I work with police officers. Many people will notice that my voice has changed in the movie. I needed a much deeper voice and with this I did not struggle at all,” she said.
Mouton said while working on the film, she enjoyed the team bonding and training workshop the most. “Tim brought in someone from South Africa to teach us. This was very helpful since for some of us, it was the first time to do this. The team often also came together for lunch. This was great because we got to know each other a little better,” she said.
Chantell Uiras, who played a younger version of Willemse, said she became part of the film after Huebschle contacted her. “He said he was looking for someone who looks similar to Elize. He liked me the moment he saw me. This was my first feature film, as I normally do theatre. I like film and I would like to experience the industry more,” she said.
The film will be screened until 20 October at Ster-Kinekor Grove Mall and Maerua Mall in Windhoek.
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