Acclaimed novelist Arrives In SA For Release Of Major Local Film

Internationally acclaimed author Marita van der Vyver has arrived in South Africa for the release of DIS KOUE KOS, SKAT (Afrikaans with English subtitles) at all cinemas nationwide from this Friday, 26 August. This new comedy-drama is based on her popular novel of the same name.

DIS KOUE KOS, SKAT’s cast features a who’s who of local talent – including icons such as Anna-Mart van der Merwe, Frank Opperman, Deon Lotz and Elzabe Zietsman; along with cameos from names such as Bouwer Bosch and Anne Hirsch. Etienne Fourie is the film’s writer/director, and is best known for his work on the much-talked-about DIE WINDPOMP.

AnnaMart van der Merwe on set with director Etienne Fourie
AnnaMart van der Merwe on set with director Etienne Fourie

Marita van der Vyver will be doing book signings and meet-and-greets (along with the director and some of the cast members) at screenings of the film scheduled for Ster-Kinekor Tygervalley this Saturday, 27 August (15:15 show) and Ster-Kinekor Kolonnade in Pretoria this Sunday, 28 August (17:00 show).

DIS KOUE KOS, SKAT tells the story of food writer, Clara Brand (Anna-Mart van der Merwe) – after discovering that her husband, Bernard (Deon Lotz) had been unfaithful to her with one of her best friends (Angelique Gerber), she decides to make a fresh start in Cape Town with her two children and their pug, Tjoklit; and sets off on a journey of healing and revenge. When seven students – all men – show up at Clara’s new cooking class, her best friend, Minette (Elzabé Zietsman), is convinced that the universe is sending her a message – it is time for a revival of her love life.

Thus, after being married for two decades, Clara dares to venture into the world of dating. Clara experiences the different phases of her recovery process – anger, acceptance, the mending of ties with her ex-husband, the ongoing effort to ensure that her children have a normal upbringing and the possibility of a brand new romance – with (attempts at) dignity, a sense of humour and, of course, delicious food.

Clara’s story is one of new beginnings, humour, heartache and adventure. Revenge is a dish best served cold and, if there is one thing that Clara is sure of, it is that there is a recipe for every occasion – or disaster.

“Dis Koue Kos, Skat, which is based on Marita van der Vyver’s novel, is a story about betrayal, jealousy, the importance of family, starting over and revenge. These themes are universal and we all can, in one way or another, connect to it. For me, it is important to personally relate to every story that I tell – whether it is my own story or whether someone else’s. My philosophy is that I cannot expect somebody else to be interested in a story, if I am not crazy about it myself and also if I don’t wholeheartedly believe in it,” explains director/writer Etienne Fourie.

Marita van der Vyver was born in Cape Town and holds a Masters degree in journalism from the University of Stellenbosch. She published three novels for adolescents before her first adult novel, “Griet skryf ‘n sprokie”, became a best-seller, winning the M-Net, Eugène Marais and ATKV Prizes in 1992. Since then she has been a full-time writer of fiction for readers of all ages, producing novels, a collection of humorous essays, a collection of short stories, picture books for young children and numerous stories included in anthologies.

DKKS

She has won several awards as well as a bursary for international study from the SA Foundation for Creative Arts, and was invited to take part in the renowned writers’ programme of the University of Iowa in the USA. Most of her adult novels are translated from the original Afrikaans into English, Dutch and German, while “Griet skryf ‘n sprokie” has been translated into a dozen languages including Chinese and Icelandic. She lives in a small village in the south of France with her French husband, Alain Claisse. Several book and script projects are currently in the pipeline for Marita van der Vyver – following her outing as co-scriptwriter for DIS KOUE KOS, SKAT.

Director Etienne Fourie with Marita van der Vyver in Cape Town_23Aug2016
Director Etienne Fourie with Marita van der Vyver in Cape Town_23Aug2016

DIS KOUE KOS, SKAT starts showing at cinemas across South Africa from Friday, 26 August 2016.

The film will have its official premiere at KykNET’s Silwerskermfees in Cape Town this Thursday, 25 August.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb