Olive Tree Theatre empowers young aspiring filmmakers and actors
ALEXANDRA – Scores of young people attended a film industry lesson with Neil Brandt at the Olive Tree Theatre.
A legendary director, filmmaker, and producer visited Olive Tree Theatre in Alexandra Township to share his knowledge and experience of the industry with the young aspiring filmmakers and actors.
Neil Brandt, a South African filmmaker and a producer who is based in Cape Town, has more than 20 years of work experience in the film industry. He worked in many different countries in Africa and oversees in Brazil producing films and telling stories to millions of people around the world. Brandt has produced works such as uGugu no Andile which was screened on SABC, the E-TV drama Hustle and many others.
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He spoke to Alex youngsters and told them to be themselves and challenge the fear of the unknown. “If you aspire to be a filmmaker you should not fear the unknown. I’ve been in the film industry for more than 20 years and I’ve produced a number of films. For you to be a good filmmaker you need first to be able to tell your story.”
He urged those attending to write and tell local stories to the world. “The world is waiting to hear and watch stories of Alexandra. The best people to tell us those stories are you. If you don’t tell these stories to the world we will always be compelled to watch and learn about others.”
Dozens of Realogile Secondary School learners who attended the session said the lecture was an eye-opener and has helped them to learn more about the film industry and the job opportunities it offers.
