Director's Intent

My intentions in making the film "Jerusalem Entjha" are to create a broad, spectacular film on an epic scale. The film will center on touching, personal intimate moments and heart felt performances. My vision is to create a cinematic experience, one that is rich in theme and allegory. It will be a fresh and exciting look at modern day Johannesburg. It will penetrate every level and strata of Johannesburg society, as well as taking an in depth look at crime and violence in the new South Africa and the questions of land and ownership.

Jerusalem Entjha will be an emotional rollercoaster ride, set in inner city Hillbrow, Soweto and the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg. The film explores themes of humanity, morality, crime and possession. These themes are timeless, repeating endlessly, questioning ethics in a changing time. I feel it has particular and urgent relevance today.

When I make a film I always start with the characters. Who are they? Why do they do the things they do? I need to get under their skin, to feel what they feel.

The character of Kunene is multi-layered, complex and anachronistic. He is part hero and part villain. On the one hand he is charming, affable, articulate and caring, on the other hand he violent, dangerous and manipulative.

I think it was his sheer audacity, his charismatic manner and the scale of his crimes that got my attention. He believed in the mantra, ‘steal big.’ No one stole bigger than he did. He stole apartment blocks; he stole multi-story office buildings and the retail shops that happened to be in these buildings.

What is perhaps most interesting about Kunene is the mythic Robin Hood status he achieves in Hillbrow.

The narrative is seen from several points of view, several voices and several faces. Each has to be as true to the story as to themselves. Each needs the shade and dimension that make them human and vulnerable, so we as an audience can empathize and take the journey along with them.

I will make the film as a completely South Africa effort, both in terms of cast and crew. It will also have an authentic South African soundtrack incorporating a Gospel Music and Kwaito beats. It will be about 75% in English, but will reflect the diversity and colour of Sutu, Zulu, Xhosa, Tsotsie Taal and Afrikaans.

I envisage a hard, gritty, edgy and hyper-real film. Fast paced, hard edged action, moving and exciting.

I believe that film is a medium not only to entertain, but also to challenge and provoke thoughts and emotion. Jerusalem Entjha is a perfect vehicle for gaining a greater understanding, appreciation and insight into the human condition.