Mr Johnson Shows That Age Is No Barrier When It Comes To Love

‘Mr Johnson’, new film starring Paul Slabolepszy and Jana Cilliers, explores romance in the golden years.

Falling in love isn’t for the young alone. Love stories about older people come with their own complexities, often delving into plotlines that are out-of-the-box and unconventional.

MR JOHNSON – Paul Slabolepszy and Jana Cilliers

Written and directed by award-winning cinematographer, William Collinson, ‘Mr Johnson’ follows the adventures of David Johnson (Paul Slabolepszy) who wakes from a 47-year coma at the age of 73.  He has a hard time dealing with his aged body and the fact that he has missed out on more than half his life.  But as he slowly makes his way into a strange new world, his youthful exuberance is undimmed and, with a little prodding, he tackles life, and love, with the energy of his 26-year-old self. With the help of a kindly internet café assistant, he tracks down his college sweetheart, Helena McCarthy (Jana Cilliers).

“There is something endearing about a couple rediscovering love and companionship in the autumn of their lives,” says Collison. “The film explores mature relationships with an eye on sensitivity, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to falling in love. A bitter-sweet drama, the film also looks at the ways older people are ignored and invisible to society in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.”

In the tradition of films like ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ (Clint Eastwood and Meryl Street), ‘As Good as it Gets’ (Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt), and ‘Last Chance Harvey’ (Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson), ‘Mr Johnson’ explores how romance between older people can often be richer than young love. Adult couples have had more time to realise their own romantic needs — and more time to gain complicated – and entertaining – baggage.

“In the tradition of the best movies about older couples, the lead characters in ‘Mr Johnson’ discover new things about themselves and each other,” says Helen Kuun, MD of Indigenous Film Distribution. “That they don’t always behave like grownups just goes to show that romance makes people nutty at every age.”

‘Mr Johnson’ won the award for best feature at the Lonely Wolf: London International Film Festival. It also won the jury prizes for best film and best actor in a leading role at the Global Nonviolent Film Festival.

It’s the latest film from the Azania Productions stable (‘Broken Promises 4-Ever’, ‘Blessers’), and is written and directed by award-winning cinematographer, William Collinson (Double Echo, Last Broken Darkness).  This is his feature film directorial debut.

‘Mr Johnson’ premieres on DStv BoxOffice on 7 September, ensuring that audiences watch this charming and thought-provoking film in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

The film also stars Frank Rautenbach (‘The Bang Bang Club’), Sisanda Henna (‘Griekwastad’), Graham Hopkins (‘Eye in the Sky’), Jailoshini Naidoo (‘Keeping Up with the Kandasamys’), Carla Classen (‘Stroomop’), Drikus Volschenk (‘Dis Ek, Anna’), Antony Coleman (‘Blood Diamond’), Heike Brunner (‘Knysna’), Clayton Boyd (‘The Entity’), Marinus Gubitz (‘Onortodoks’), and Mila Guy (‘Wonderlus’).

Mr Johnson was made with support of the Department of Trade and Industry, the National Film and Video Foundation and Indigenous Film Distribution.

Indigenous Film Distribution: www.indigenousfilm.co.za

Azania Productions : www.azaniaproductions.co.za

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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