After months of pre-production from April to September, we finally shot ThisAbility from Monday to Thursday, 6–9 October, in beautiful Jeffrey’s Bay! We filmed across two key locations: the taxi rank in Ocean View and a warehouse on a farm in Vlakteplaas. The shoot was an incredible experience — professional, joyful, and creative — and I am so proud of everyone involved.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to some very special people who made this possible:
- RED Creative Collaboration – Rieg (director of photography) & Eidie Janse van Rensburg and their son Richard (assistant camera). Your creativity knows no bounds! The first cut is already done, and it looks absolutely stunning.
- Team from PE & AFDA – Gemma Barnard (assistant director), Lara-Jade Ekron (key makeup artist), Xabi Ndodana (leading actress), Fiks Mahola (leading actor), and myself (Vicki Fourie, also leading actress and antagonist). Gemma, Lara, and Xabi from AFDA, along with Nina Coetze (2nd year AFDA, production assistant) and Ruud Petrus (2nd year AFDA, supporting actor), were all utterly professional, prepared, and ready to give their best. Top-class performances all around.
- Humansdorp Taxi Association – Brandon, for trusting us with three quantum taxis at the Ocean View taxi rank. You handed us the keys and gave us free rein — we are so grateful!
- Vlakteplaas – Esre and Frankie Lotter generously allowed us to film in their warehouse every night from 19:00 to 00:00. The space was safe, clean, spacious, and fun — we had a ball of a time every evening.
- Pastoor Neil Tarentaal from AGS Emmanuel in Pelsrus – Thank you for supplying 15 extras for the film. Your enthusiasm, patience, and energy were contagious!
- Security at the taxi rank – For keeping us safe despite the ghastly wind and ensuring there were no mishaps. Your vigilance and care were invaluable.
- My mother, Bonita Fourie – My co-producer and rock. From organizing the budget, catering, and logistics to being there whenever I felt overwhelmed, she held my hand every step of the way.
Now comes the exciting part: editing! We hope to complete the trailer, the film, the poster, and everything else before the end of 2025.
We would also love to host a premiere of the film. Unfortunately, our budget has been fully stretched, and we have no finances left for a screening. If anyone — or any organization — would be interested in sponsoring us, we would be incredibly grateful. We are looking for support with venue, catering, camera operators, and more, and the premiere could include a screening of the film, behind-the-scenes content, and interviews with cast and crew members.
This journey has been amazing, and we can’t wait to share ThisAbility with the world. Thank you to everyone who has been part of it so far — your support, talent, and generosity have made this film possible!
