I’m honoured to share that an interview with me has been published in the June 2026 edition of the Kouga Municipality Newsletter.
The interview was conducted by Roslyn Klaasen—a fellow disability advocate and published author—and explores my journey as a filmmaker, the making of ThisAbility, and the importance of authentic disability representation and inclusion.
My sincere thanks to Roslyn for the thoughtful conversation and to Kouga Municipality for featuring the interview.
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From Jeffrey’s Bay to the World Stage: ThisAbility Shines a Light on Inclusion, Courage and Local Talent
Talented emerging filmmaker Vicki Fourie is proving that powerful stories can emerge from local communities and resonate with an international audience.
Her debut short film, ThisAbility, is more than a crime thriller. It is a moving celebration of courage, inclusion and human potential, while also highlighting the remarkable creative talent found within the Kouga region.
Growing up in a ministry family and moving around South Africa, Fourie describes herself as “a Free State girl through and through,” but says Jeffrey’s Bay will always hold a special place in her heart.
“I will always cherish my time in Jeffrey’s Bay, and I will never forget how it became my place of restoration and renewed my dreams – it is truly a dorp van drome.”
Now living in the United States, she carries those memories with her as she embarks on an exciting international filmmaking journey.
A Dream Born at AFDA
The seeds for ThisAbility were planted while Fourie completed her Honours degree in Scriptwriting at AFDA in 2024.
When the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invited emerging filmmakers with disabilities to submit proposals for development funding, she submitted five different concepts. Early in 2025, she received life-changing news – she was one of only four recipients nationwide selected for the grant.
“ThisAbility was one of the projects I had proposed, and suddenly it had the opportunity to become a reality.”
From that moment, everything seemed to fall into place.
“Building the team, casting the actors and bringing the story to life felt surprisingly natural. Many people warned me that making a film would be incredibly difficult, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable creative experiences I’ve ever had.”
Although it was her first time directing and producing a film, Fourie says the experience taught her invaluable lessons about collaboration, communication and trusting a creative team.
Looking Beyond Disability
At the heart of the nine-minute film is Abongile, a young Deaf woman who unexpectedly finds herself caught in a dangerous criminal situation after falling asleep in a taxi.
Rather than portraying disability as limitation, the story transforms its protagonist into the hero of her own narrative through courage, determination and resilience.
For Fourie, the title perfectly captures the film’s message.
“My disability has never felt like something that held me back. If anything, it opened doors and pushed me to achieve things I might never have attempted otherwise.”
She explains that the film is ultimately about “looking beyond limitations and recognising the strength and ability that exist within every person.”
The story encourages audiences to question assumptions about disability while promoting dignity, opportunity and inclusion.
Authentic Storytelling
Authenticity remained central throughout production.
Drawing on her own lived experience with hearing loss, Fourie carefully tells a story that reflects the realities of communication, identity and inclusion without relying on stereotypes.
“Rather than focusing on disability as something to be overcome, I wanted to highlight people as individuals with dreams, talents, challenges and unique stories.”
The production also received guidance from a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) sign language consultant to ensure respectful and accurate representation.
Innovative sound design further immerses viewers into the protagonist’s perspective, allowing audiences to experience the world through Abongile’s unique hearing experience.
Kouga Talent Behind the Camera
The production proudly showcased local expertise behind the scenes.
Rieghard Janse van Rensburg, a Kouga Local Municipality service provider, served as Director of Photography and Editor, playing a pivotal role in bringing Fourie’s creative vision to life through cinematography, editing and sound design.
Fourie praises his contribution to the production:
“Our director of photography and editor, Rieghard Janse van Rensburg, did an outstanding job bringing that vision to life.”
Working alongside him was his son, Richard Janse van Rensburg, who served as Assistant Camera, contributing to the technical execution of the production.
Behind-the-scenes photography capturing the cast and crew throughout filming was beautifully documented by Eidie Janse van Rensburg, Rieghard’s wife, preserving memorable moments from the production journey.
Local Collaboration Made the Difference
Filmed largely in Jeffrey’s Bay, including scenes at the taxi rank between Pellsrus and Ocean View, the production embraced local partnerships and community support.
Extras sourced through Pastor Niel from the Pellsrus AFM Church helped create authentic street scenes, while a talented Eastern Cape production team ensured that high-quality filmmaking could be achieved without relying on expensive outside crews.
Fourie says choosing local talent proved invaluable.
“Working with a talented local team allowed us to stay within budget without compromising on quality. In the end, we had exactly what we needed to tell the story.”
The production was further strengthened by the involvement of Fourie’s mother, Bonita Fourie, who served as producer.
A mentor, counsellor and creative guide, Bonita managed many of the practical aspects of the project while providing valuable support throughout the filmmaking process.
Her own achievements include being selected as one of five finalists in the inaugural StrongHer Campaign last year, an international initiative recognising women who demonstrate exceptional resilience, leadership and community impact.
The campaign formed part of a landmark collaboration between the City of Birmingham, Alabama, and Kouga Local Municipality, highlighting women whose influence extends far beyond their own personal achievements.
The result demonstrates the creative potential that exists within local communities when opportunity meets talent.
More Than Representation
For Fourie, ThisAbility represents something deeply personal.
Having often been typecast during acting auditions because of her hearing loss, creating this film allowed her to write the kind of representation she rarely encountered herself – a character whose identity extends beyond disability.
“Making ThisAbility gave me the opportunity to create the kind of representation I rarely saw on screen.”
The experience also reaffirmed her lifelong ambition to become a filmmaker.
“It felt like a homecoming to myself and confirmed that this is the path I want to pursue.”
She believes storytelling has the power to change perceptions and create meaningful social change.
“Film has the power to shape perceptions, influence conversations and inspire social change.”
International Journey Begins
Although only the trailer has been released publicly, early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with audiences praising its emotional impact and compelling storyline.
The film has already been submitted to numerous prestigious festivals across South Africa, Europe and the United States, where Fourie hopes it will reach wider audiences and ultimately secure international distribution.
Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about the journey still to come.
“I still have many stories I want to tell. Whether it’s through film, television, short stories or novels, storytelling will always be part of who I am. So watch this space.”
As ThisAbility begins its festival journey, it stands as a testament not only to inclusive storytelling but also to the remarkable creative talent emerging from Jeffrey’s Bay and the Eastern Cape.
Follow the Journey
Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dLe_yJpVN4
The full film is currently being screened through the international film festival circuit and is not yet publicly available.
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This article was published in the June 2026 issue of Kouga Municipality Newsletter.
Read the full newsletter here.
