A heartfelt journey: ‘My F*k, Marelize’ begins production
A viral sensation turns cinematic
In an exciting development for cinema enthusiasts, MultiChoice has announced the commencement of production on a new feature film titled *“My Fk, Marelize”**. This film, inspired by a viral video from Namibia, was unveiled at the prestigious Silwerskerm Film Festival in Cape Town.
The story behind the film
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Windhoek, Namibia, the film is based on the real-life experiences of the Horn family. The narrative follows Marelize Horn as she prepares for a new chapter in her life as an au pair in the Netherlands. Simultaneously, her mother, Heidi Horn, grapples with a cancer diagnosis. The story unfolds during the annual Windhoek Carnival, known locally as WIKA.
The film’s title is derived from a viral video where Marelize’s mother exclaims the now-iconic phrase after capturing her daughter accidentally cycling into a rugby goal post. This phrase, *“my fk, Marelize”**, has since become a colloquial expression in South Africa and Namibia, often used to humorously acknowledge an embarrassing mistake or public blunder.
A deeper narrative
Brett Michael Innes, an award-winning screenwriter known for his work on “Sink” and “Fiela’s Child”, penned the script. The film marks the directorial debut of Zandré Coetzer, celebrated for her work on the popular South African series “Dinge van ‘n kind”.
Innes shared his thoughts on the project, stating, “This film is going to surprise everyone. When people think of a movie based on the phrase ‘my f*k, Marelize’, they’re probably expecting a slapstick comedy about a teenager who bumps into things all the time. The story of the Horn family has so much more depth than that.”
Coetzer added, “This story is a celebration of life. A showcase of how our people in Namibia and South Africa greet every challenge with a joke and face it with laughter. I was fortunate to spend time with the Horn family, and witnessing their dynamic as a unit gave me such a clear vision for the film. As an Afrikaner, it is really special to be able to celebrate my language, culture, and people in a story that speaks to our humor and way of doing life.”
A collaborative effort
The film is a co-production between Namibian and South African companies. Windhoek-based producers Joel Haikali and Sophie Haikali from Joe Vision Productions are collaborating with Cape Town companies Nagvlug Films and Nostalgia Productions. Paulo Areal, known for his work on “Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story” and “Five Fingers for Marseilles”, is also producing. The project is financed by the National Film & Video Foundation, kykNET Films, and MultiChoice Namibia.
Waldimar Pelser, M-Net channel director for premium channels, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “kykNET is deeply rooted in Namibia, and we take great pride in being able to support not just any co-production with strong Namibian ties, but this one — a story full of pathos and humor with a unique local character.”
A love letter to Windhoek
Producer Joel Haikali described the film as a “love letter to Windhoek life,” celebrating the “quirky Namibian charm and vibrant spirit with plenty of humor.”
The Horn family has been actively involved in the project since its inception. Marelize Horn shared her excitement, saying, “When I got a random Facebook message from Brett last year about wanting to make a film about our family, I didn’t know quite what to expect. Now they’re about to start filming, and I can’t wait to see how our experience is brought to life.”
Filming begins
Filming is set to commence in September in Namibia, promising to bring this heartfelt and humorous story to the big screen.
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of *“My Fk, Marelize”**, you can watch the trailer here.
This film promises to be a unique blend of humor, pathos, and cultural celebration, offering a fresh perspective on the resilience and spirit of the Namibian and South African people. Whether you’re a cinema aficionado, a TV series enthusiast, or a music lover, *“My Fk, Marelize”** is a story that will resonate with many, capturing the essence of life’s unexpected moments with warmth and laughter.