Delightful Hans crosses his Rubicon on the big screen
From 29 September, the film adaptation of the iconic top-selling book Hans steek die Rubicon oor will be in theatres countrywide. Some of South Africa’s biggest acting legends – including Pierre van Pletzen, Tobie Cronjé, June van Merch, Sandra Prinsloo and Nicola Hanekom – will be seen in this comedy for the whole family. Afrikaans moviegoers will undoubtedly be thrilled about seeing the beloved Hans on screen, but you don’t have to understand Afrikaans to be enchanted by this heart-warming story with universal appeal.
Former journalist and well-known crime writer Rudie van Rensburg’s first Hans book was so popular that four more books followed and a fifth is on the way. Hans steek die Rubicon oor was read by veteran actor Tobie Cronjé on RSG and also became a hit one-man show with Charlie Bougueonon playing several characters.
Early in 2022, production started on the film version with the talented filmmaker couple Corné and Rene van Rooyen at the helm. They were responsible for acclaimed films such as Hollywood in my huis, Vaselinetjie and Toorbos, as well as the popular drama series Alles Malan.
The cast of Hans steek die Rubicon oor boasts a stellar cast: Pierre van Pletzen is Hans; Tobie Cronjé is Vasie; June van Merch is Baby; Sandra Prinsloo plays Liesbet, and Nicola Hanekom is Matron. The young actor Juan-Pierre Moller is Esmeraldus; Danny Ross is Elvis; Diaan Lawrenson plays Karla, and Ivan Abrahams stars as Jan Doppies.
“My grandfather Inus van Rooyen is celebrating his 102nd birthday later this year, and it’s through him that I became acquainted with Hans,” says Corné, director of Hans steek die Rubicon oor. “He listened to the reading on the radio and could see himself in Hans – a man who wants to grow old on his own conditions. In a way, the movie is a homage to my grandfather who is thankfully still very much alive and kicking.”
To cast the film wasn’t easy. “I knew I had a chance to work with some of the legends in the industry; actors who inspired my dream to become a film director,” says Corné. “My first call was to Tobie, and after long conversations, we decided Pierre van Pletzen will be the perfect elderly freedom fighter that is Hans. Tobie said Vasie is very close to his heart. So, it was a given that he would play that role. June was made for playing Baby, and Sandra was ideal for the part of Liesbet.”
To cast the role of Matron was more challenging. “I had to ask myself: Who can get under the skin of the old people, not only physically, but also emotionally? Nicola Hanekom had a brilliant audition which gave me goosebumps. She was just what we needed. Then there is something very fresh and exciting about the newcomer Juan-Pierre Moller who is seen as Esmeraldus.”
Corné’s biggest hope is that people will go and watch Hans steek die Rubicon oor in film theatres on the big screen. “The pioneering filmmaker David Lynch said in an interview: ‘If you’re playing the movie on a telephone, you will never in a trillion years experience the film. You’ll think you have experienced it, but you’ll be cheated.’ ”
Corné adds enthusiastically: “I believe Hans has the power to bring a group of people – young and old – together for a shared experience in a theatre with quality sound and vision, an excellent soundtrack and iconic actors whose great comic timing will make this a movie-going experience to remember. There is so much pressure in society to stay young, and I am excited about this opportunity to celebrate the spirit of people who insist on growing old on their own terms. If you watch Hans steek die Rubicon oor with three generations of your family, it will be a real little family festival.”
The script was written by René and Corné, and the acclaimed Charl-Johan Lingenfelder wrote the musical score. Hans steek die Rubicon oor was filmed in and around Cape Town and will be released countrywide on 29 September. It is also one the films chosen to premiere at the kykNET Silwerskermfees that will be held in Camps Bay from 23 to 26 August.