Westridge film director continues to tell ’real stories’

Westridge director Mark Matroos wants to include elements of real life on the Cape Flats in his movies - and showcase local talent.

Mr Matroos, who is also the founder of Mojam Film Productions, will be launching the trailer of his third movie at the Portland Indoor Centre on Saturday March 19, at 7.30pm.

Bloed Betaal 2 follows Mojam's debut release Meisie vani Lavis, in 2019, and Bloed Betaal in 2020.

Mr Matroos said they’ve worked hard to get the movie released, showcase local talent and tell real stories.

Bloed Betaal 2 is about a father who wants to avenge the death of his daughter who was caught in the crossfire when rival gangs were shooting at each other.

The cast members are from Lavender Hill, Mitchell’s Plain, Riviersonderend, Ravensmead, and other parts of Cape Town.

The cast all auditioned last year, and the movie took four to five days to shoot, said Mr Matroos.

They filmed at the YMCA camp site in Strandfontein. “The spirit was very good on set, it was very positive and very exciting. For newcomers to see the movie shoot and how things were done on set was amazing,” said Mr Matroos.

But not everything went as smoothly as they had hoped. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, certain locations they had hoped to use were unavailable.

And while “make-believe” may be an important part of movies, said Mr Matroos, he also wanted to include some elements of real life.

“We mixed it up a bit. We need to show the youth that it’s not all about the glamour in the movies and that there are real consequences in real life with this,” he said.

Drawing a parallel between life and his movie, Mr Matroos pointed out that over the years there had been many fatal shootings of young people on the Cape Flats, and many parents or family members may have felt like taking the law into their own hands.

Actor Justin Barends, 31, from Morgens Village, said he was very excited for part two after having been involved in the first instalment. For the latest movie, he said, cast was way bigger, the equipment was better and he had the opportunity to dive a little deeper into the character of Detective McDonald.

“We really pushed it this time around by adding more exciting fighting scenes that left me with memorable scars which I will cherish forever,” he said.

And if you think you don’t have the money to realise your dream of making a movie, he said, forget a budget and find another way of accomplishing your goal.

“Everyone around you plays an important role, everyone's contribution is what makes the film a success. Having a happy attitude even when things are not going your way creates positive energy to find new ways of reaching that same goal,” he said.

“We might not be the ones to change the movie industry but we are just hoping that we can be the spark to the brain of the young child watching, who will change the industry for the better.”

Westridge resident Elhana Jackson, who is on Mojam’s marketing and fundraising committee, said she “started as a fan” and did the catering for the cast of the first instalment of Bloed Betaal.

“What Mark is doing is uplifting the community of all areas, he is really telling stories of everyday life on the Cape Flats,” she said.

The youngest actress on set was Winter Lee Zion Titus, 5, from Bothasig. “I was very excited as I love being in front of the camera,” she said.

“I am very excited to see myself on the big screen. My dream is to make it big, I love acting and dancing, I am going to give some of my money to the older people.”

For more information on the movie follow their Facebook page.