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Steve Hofmeyr takes lead in new musical

Vrede - Platteland, an Afrikaans musical production which is being filmed in Vrede and the surrounding areas, has the locals abuzz with excitement.

The film, a product of the Mozi record company and Philo Films, will hit the silver screen on June 17 this year.

Some of the biggest names in the Afrikaans music industry appear in the film. Steve Hofmeyr plays Mike Ferreira; Lianie May is Riana van Niekerk; Bok van Blerk is Dirk; Jay (from the pop group Eden) is Jakes Ferreira, and Vaughn Gardiner is Wian van Niekerk.

Sean Else, the director, says Platteland is going to surprise viewers.  According to him, this is no ordinary musical, but something different. The story and the music are intertwined and the singers' acting has been excellent.

"We had them all trained for two months by André Odendaal, one of the country's best actors. All the other characters are portrayed by experienced actors."

'We know the people'

When Volksblad visited the film set last Sunday it was clear that Else is very particular about the production. It took hours to shoot a scene which will last all of three minutes.

May was full of praise for Else's thoroughness. "There are times when we're all exhausted but Sean will still be shooting."

May is familiar with Vrede and the Eastern Free State. "Nearly all my music videos were made nearby. We know the people. They're always very helpful."

Else says the people of Vrede went out of their way to make things easier for him and his team. "Their friendliness and hospitality are exceptional."

Hofmeyr said: "Although I'm a Goldfields boytjie, I enjoy the small dorpies. And this is the Free State I know. I like this."
 
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