’n Doop om stilte: Young actors deliver poignant performances in short film about high school initiation
“Orientation”. “Initiation”. “Hazing” in America. “Fagging” in England. “Ontgroening” and “doop” in Afrikaans. These are all words used for the customs and rituals newcomers undergo to be considered a “true member” of a school team or university residence. Unfortunately, these words are often synonymous with bullying and practices that sometimes result in deep psychological scars.
The Silwerskerm Film Festival short film ’n Doop om stilte is the heartbreaking story of a grade 8 learner, Joshua, who experiences a harrowing initiation at his new high school for boys.
The short film was co-written and co-directed by Kanya Viljoen and Emilie Badenhorst. Chris Coetsee is the producer, and an exceptional young actor, Tiaan Luyt, makes his screen debut with a moving portrayal of Joshua.
Emilie and Kanya say many scenes in the film are based on a series of conversations and interviews conducted with adult men across the country. “The idea for the film came when we realised how the behaviour of many of our brothers, friends and acquaintances changed drastically, or how their personalities faded away after their high school initiations.”
To keep the story authentic, Kanya and Emilie wanted to cast teenagers who are still part of the school system. At the same time, they realised that they would need a couple of strong professional actors, with some film or television credits to their names, to lead the ensemble cast.
“Consequently, we followed different routes with the casting process,” Kanya explains.
While they arranged a series of exclusive auditions to find the young actors with some film experience, they also kept an eye out for fresh talent on the school theatre circuit.
Tiaan, a grade 9 learner was a rare, accidental find. His older sister, Karla, is part of the drama group at the High School Jan van Riebeeck, where Khanya has been involved for the past two years.
“When Tiaan arrived one night to fetch his sister, we immediately knew he could be our potential lead. He had a vulnerability and fragility in his face. Little did we know that he was also an exceptionally talented actor. Tiaan was incredibly professional on set, and it’s hard to believe that this was his first time in front of the camera,” Emily says.
The rest of the ensemble cast comprises learners from high schools in and around Cape Town, including High School Jan van Riebeeck, Paul Roos Gymnasium and High School DF Malan.
“It was such a pleasure working with young people on the film. Their energy, raw talent and attitude were amazing,” Kanya says. “It was important for us to ensure they feel safe with the sensitive topic, and we had various discussions with them about respect – for other people and their bodies.”
’n Doop om stilte is screened at the festival on Friday, 25 August, at 09:00, and will move to kykNET and Showmax later.