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5 behind-the-scenes facts about Beyond the River that will blow your mind!

Cape Town – The local inspirational drama, Beyond the River opens in cinemas on Thursday, 27 April. 

It is inspired by the true story of Siseko Ntondini and Piers Cruickshanks, who together won gold in the 2014 Dusi.

The story centres on Duma who, after another near miss with the law, is forced back into the world of canoeing. Steve, a Dusi veteran is stuck without a partner to complete his 15th race and possibly win his 10th gold medal. After some convincing, he agrees to give Duma a shot. But there are a few things they must overcome.

Channel24 found five unknown facts about the local flick that would totally surprise you!

1. Canoeing with crocs

Filming was forced to stop one day when a crocodile was spotted in the river. It later transpired, much to the shock of the cast and crew, that the croc had been in the water for quite some time, while filming had been taking place. Talk about lights, camera, action! 

2. Due to the drought, the movie was shot in different locations 

South Africa is facing its worst drought in 40 years, as a result of this and to ensure the movie captured the rapids at their best, the movie was shot on three different South African rivers - The Dusi, Tugela and Umgeni. Water was knee deep in some of the shots – seeing the movie, you’d never pick this up!

3. Rookie canoeists 

The two main actors, Lemogang Tsipa (Duma) and Grant Swanby (Steve), had never canoed before. In fact only one of the actors, Paul Du Toit (Eddie), had canoe experience. They also started rehearsing for the movie in winter – all in all it was a fairly chilling experience.  

4. Directionally challenged

Lemogang admits that he is still not able to steer a canoe, despite having to play the role in charge of steering in the movie. This made shooting rather tricky and Lemo’s acting ability even more important – we think he’s done a pretty good job!  

5. Snake attack

Hours before arriving at one of the cast and crew accommodation stops, word got out that the camp’s resident Jack Russell had been chomped by a huge python – wild stuff!

Watch the trailer here:


READ OUR REVIEW FOR BEYOND THE RIVER HERE

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