A new film showing off the best of Cape Town’s scenery and talent, Finders Keepers, was released in cinemas last month.
The movie was directed by Maynard kraak and written by Strini Pillai.
It features several local stars, including Dalin Oliver, Neels van Jaarsveld and Stuart Taylor.
One of the actors in the film is Khalil Kathrada, who spends time between Bo-Kaap and Woodstock. He first stepped on stage at the age of three and knew he wanted to be an actor.
“In primary school, I was in every play that happened. My teachers were phenomenal in how they encouraged me.
“I knew I always wanted to do it. But I walked around with a lot of fear because you are bombarded by society. I remember my drama tutors saying to me that everyone has their time. The most difficult thing to do is to persevere and keep believing that you can do it.
“I started getting small roles here and there.”
Kathrada then landed a role on South African soapie Isidingo in 2002. “My family was amazing and everyone just rallied around me. I had to go through this journey of rediscovering myself.
“It’s not easy because when you decide to do something that’s when you get tested the most. I left doing part-time work and I threw myself into the industry with the support of incredible people around me and I’m grateful for that.”
Kathrada said he first worked with Kraak in 2014 on a TV series, For The Love of Food.
Kraak then asked some of the people in the series to be involved in the film.
“Maynard asked us to audition. I got a call from my agent to say that I got the role of PC.
“That for me was a shock because there was a lot of amazing talent in this town that was up for the role. But they saw something in me for that character.”
He said the film revolved around a guy called Lonnie, who is played by local comedian Dalin Oliver.
“He works as a cleaner at a gentlemen’s club. Lonnie has a very boring life until something happens at the club which is run by some very interesting Russian gangsters.
“Things start to unfold and everyone just starts to get interlocked.”
Rameez Nordien, who is an actor and trainee producer and also has a cameo role in Finders Keepers, said it was great to experience what went on behind the scenes.
“You learn a lot. I did lots of little different things,” he said.
“The film is very funny, it’s not a traditional slapstick comedy. It’s got some depth to it.
“It’s a beautifully shot film with a great story.
“We shot all over… in Hout Bay, Constantia, Woodstock, Green Point. There are a lot of Cape Town sites and local music in the film as well. I’m very keen to encourage people to support not just local film but local productions, theatre, music and entertainment in general.”
