Conversing with Cinematic Visionary Jerome Pikwane: A Dive into 'The Tokoloshe'
South African filmmaker Jerome Pikwane discusses his work on the supernatural horror movie, The Tokoloshe.
Jerome Pikwane, a cinephile and former student at the New York Film Academy, breathes life into one of South Africa's fascinating myths with his supernatural thriller, 'The Tokoloshe.' In this chilling tale, a young woman grapples with her suppressed emotions while confronting a ravenous demon from her past, when she tries to save an abandoned girl at a dilapidated Johannesburg hospital.
Pikwane, with a stellar background in filmmaking, started his directing career in 2004 and has since worked with esteemed South African directors and major brands like MTN Telecommunications, PlayStation, and Metro FM. Together with fellow writer Richard Kunzmann, he concocts a chilling horror steeped in local folklore.
What gives 'The Tokoloshe' its transfixing power?
Pikwane draws inspiration from horror films that comment on contemporary social issues, like 'Jaws' addressing Watergate or 'Get Out' broaching racism. In this film, patriarchy takes center stage. As he explains, "Our film deals with patriarchy."
The Tokoloshe, a bogeyman deeply embedded in the South African psyche, serves as a potent allegory for the oppressive power structures that govern society. The creature's reality versus myth influences Pikwane and Kunzmann, who seek to recontextualize the Tokoloshe within their narrative while preserving its connection to the audience.
Collaborating with Kunzmann, a renowned South African author, the duo brings a fresh perspective to the horror genre, weaving elements of high drama into a claustrophobic atmosphere filled with isolation, ostracism, and a pervasive sense of dread.
The allure of horror: fear and release
Horror films captivate viewers through their exploration of our most primal instincts, such as fear. As Pikwane notes, the suspense and adrenaline rush they offer make them an irresistible draw. Moreover, horror films offer a sense of release. By making the anxieties we confront daily concrete, the genre allows audiences to confront and digest their fears.
The Tokoloshe seamlessly blends cultural insights with the universal appeal of horror. It delves into the psychological horrors that arise when one faces an overwhelming and threatening internal and external world, be it as a child or an adult who has lost their sense of innocence.
Crafting fear through casting and visual storytelling
To create a convincing and compelling on-screen world, Pikwane sought actors who could carry the emotional weight of their characters without reliance on their past work. Emphasizing authenticity was key, so as to draw the audience into the narrative. As he puts it, "I wanted the audience to completely buy these characters and the actors portraying them."
The journey from script to screen presented various challenges, but the opportunity to breathe life into a unique, culturally rooted horror story proved more than worthwhile for Pikwane. And with its release, 'The Tokoloshe' promises to intrigue and frighten viewers worldwide.
Movies-and-tv that delve into contemporary social issues often captivate audiences, and 'The Tokoloshe' is no exception, as it sheds light on the oppressive power structures in society through the lens of horror entertainment. The Tokoloshe, a character deeply grounded in South African folklore, serves as a chilling allegory for patriarchy and the psychological horrors one may face in life.
