Filmmaker Etienne Kallos discusses the production of Die Stropers, referred to as The Harvesters, in an interview.
In a fascinating blend of cinematic storytelling and cultural exploration, South African film "Die Stropers" (The Harvesters) delves deep into the heart of the Free State region. This rural area, known for its cornfields and church steeples, serves as the backdrop for a psychological drama about the coming-of-age of a new generation of Afrikaans youth.
Directed by Greek-South African filmmaker Etienne Kallos, the film unfolds on a remote cattle farm where an obedient Afrikaans teenager, Janno, encounters his world turned upside down when his fiercely religious mother brings home a mysterious street orphan, Pieter.
The Free State, known as the "bible belt" of South Africa, offers a unique landscape that is both picturesque and unsettling. With its mysterious eastern region, where bars on windows and fear in the air are common, it serves as an intriguing backdrop for the film. As Kallos explains, "It captures you and won't let go."
Kallos, who has a diverse background in theatre, non-fiction, and filmmaking, draws inspiration from the region's complexities, from the Jesse James-like atmosphere to the persistent threat of land seizures by the government. This setting allows him to touch on notions of belonging and ownership, providing a powerful context for the unfolding drama.
Witness the captivating world of "Die Stropers" on Showmax, or delve deeper by reading a thoughtful review. Despite its rural setting, the film's themes resonate far beyond the farming community, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, tradition, and the generation gap. Catch it now and embark on a compelling journey into the heart of South Africa.
Screenwriting for "Die Stropers" offers a unique blend of the writing process and movies-and-tv, as Greek-South African filmmaker Etienne Kallos draws inspiration from the Free State's rich cultural complexities and its mysterious eastern region. This screenwriting process, set against the backdrop of South Africa's "bible belt," touches on themes that resonate beyond the farming community, delving into notions of identity, tradition, and the generation gap, making it a captivating piece of entertainment.
