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MEET THE CREW & CAST
Adil Aysen, born and raised in the suburbs of Kimberely in the Northern Cape by two very loving parents. When watching films, I'd sometimes make the claim of "I can make it better", that is where my desire to become a filmmaker first manifested itself from. From early childhood, I loved the idea of stories and interesting characters within those stories and film is an excellent medium for me to tell meaningful and entertaining stories, as I still believe that film is a form of escapism from the harsh realities of life and everyone deserves a good story once in a while.
Leah Pillay is a 20-year-old Film Producer who was born and raised in Johannesburg by two of her greatest supporters - her parents. Unlike many others in this field, she didn't always know that filmmaking was the career path for her. It was not until she began Dramatic Arts in high school where she fell in love with the concept of storytelling. Coming from a business-orientated family, her career choice seemed risky but after her parents realized her passion for filmmaking and her skills around Producing they knew she was destined for success.
Banele Mthembu is the co-producer for Waters of Oblivion alongside Leah Pillay. A 20-year-old man born and raised in Nelspruit Mpumalanga. He had an early love for all things artistic and a flair for performance that naturally developed into a deep adoration for storytelling. The film/television works he consumed growing up are significant influences on his character, and he believes all media/art has the potential to shape people. That belief informed his decision to study film producing at AFDA, and in his third/final year he hopes to create works that leave a lasting impression on all those who a privileged enough to witness the works of him and his peers.
Ezra Williams, a twenty-four-year-old cinematographer. Born and raised in Cape Town in the Southern Suburbs. After studying interior design and coming from a fine art background as an abstract oil painter, I wanted to explore more facets of art, which led me to filmmaking. Initially, I wanted to be a production designer, however, the camera department grabbed me by both arms. I started viewing the camera as my paintbrush and the world as my canvas, making ideas come to life through visuals was always a norm for me however doing it through the lens of the camera has been the most exciting. Sometimes life leads you to unexpected places, I'm happy to say my place is in cinematography.
Nicheel Madurai, aged 22 is one of the Co-Cinematographers and Grader of the film. Born and bred, He grew up watching and ingesting any visual medium from animation to comics. In Grade 6, while analyzing the film "Hugo", Nicheel's affection for cinema grew and sparked his interest in cinematography. Coming to AFDA deepened his affection for filmmaking. As a cinematographer, he aims to convey the story frame by frame.
Joshua Ferreira is a 21-year-old editor and sound designer born and raised in Cape Town. Before considering film as a career, he was assigned to edit a short film for a high school English project. This project was the beginning of his love for editing. Soon after, he would mess around with editing software, making short edits of the PC Games he plays (Namely CS:GO). His love for moviemaking also came from his first time watching his favourite film, Fight Club, directed by David Fincher. He goes by the saying “I’ll fix it in post” and he enjoys telling stories through the aspects of editing and sound design.
Hello, my name is Grace Mayo. I grew up in Durban and came to Cape Town to pursue my film career and the adventure has only begun. I do the costume makeup and styling for Waters of Oblivion. I have a creative passion for the artistic aesthetics of film and the beauty of what can be portrayed through this medium.
Sisanda Lethokuhle Mahlaba was born and raised in Durban. At her tender age, she knew very little about the film but was always very curious. Her love for art was inspired by the movies and cartoons she watches and often would spend more time trying to analyze what she saw. After changing high school she finally found a place that could cultivate her artistic nature and this was where she first learned about the art of movie-making and instinctively knew this is where her passion for art would grow .
Gino Afonso was born and raised in Johannesburg. I remember the days watching films with my grandfather and his endless collection of videotapes, transported to different lands, all with their own stories and art styles, igniting my love for film and making things. Taking things apart and making things was his specialty, whether making toys based on shows or movies he has seen to blowing stuff up with a potato cannon. Directing his creativity towards the field of design and moved to Cape Town. After graduating with BA in ideation design, he reignited his love for filmmaking and shifted towards the career of making unique worlds through visual effects. Armed with digital modeling and graphic design skills, my calling is visual effects, and I have never turned back.
Andries Meyer, 23 – Score Composer & Film Editor
Andries Meyer was born in Durbanville, Cape Town during the year of 1998. After two years of studying in Stellenbosch, he realized that he had to be part of the cinematic world as he showed up at the student cinema more than he did for lectures. Music and storytelling have always been synonymous with his character – uncovering the secrets of rhythm and harmony in the world of film is his passion.
My name is Retsepile Seamatha. I'm 22 years old. I'm studying live performance. I play the main protagonist in the film named Akuji. Why this film is important to me because it deals with depression which is a big mental health issue in our generation. Previously in history, it was a stigma but now people are starting to realize that it is a crucial thing in our lives and that it must be talked about.
My name is Kayla du Plessis, a 21 year old young woman born and raised in Western Cape by my Afrikaans family.( But they didn't raise a farm girl.) I have always had a passion for performing, during childhood my sister and I would perform for my parents and friends. Even then I knew I was destined to pursue a career in acting. I took drama classes at Paarl Gimnasium throughout highschool and then went to AFDA to further pursue my acting aspirations. I'm forever greatful for my parents support in my dreams.
Actress - Tshegofatso Lebodi
Tshegofatso Lebodi is a hardworking and versatile young woman who is extremely zealous about the art of Acting, Radio, Dancing, and Content Creation. Born and raised in Gaborone Botswana, her love for acting began at the tender age of 6. Being the curious individual that she is, she always wanted to perceive the world through a different lens. Tshegofatso's ardent desire is to spread awareness through acting.
Melissa Fillis is a 23-year-old Live Performance student.
The reason I love acting is that you can use your full imagination. You get to analyze the scripts, by planning both your character's inner life and actions. You get to develop their voice. By creating a truthful, complex plan for my performance in a film or stage production. Melissa played the role of Haila but due to health complications was not able to participate in the shooting of the film.
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