film recalls mining magnate & philanthropist Hans Merensky

From: www.suntimes.co.za

By: Shanthini Naidoo

Pictures: Thembinkosi Dwayisa

The Scene

Dr Hans Merensky, prospector, geologist, humanitarian, nature lover, agriculturist, was born at his father's mission station at Botshabelo, north of Middelburg (in the then Transvaal) on 16 March 1871.

He was one of South Africa's most famous pioneers - he discovered some of the greatest mineral deposits and precious gems ever found.

He studied geology at the University of Berlin in Germany. He returned to South Africa in the late 1890s in search of gold and diamonds and prospered - but by 1913 he was bankrupt.

A few years later, Merensky struck it rich again when he discovered a 48km-long platinum reef in the Lydenburg district, which was later named after him. He gained a substantial reputation as a man of ability and personal integrity.

For all his wealth and position, he lived simply, ensuring that his work benefited as many people as possible and that whatever was extracted from the land, was returned in kind through welfare, environmental conservation and rejuvenation.

Dr Merensky used his wealth to support universities, hospitals, schools and many charitable institutions before and even after his death.

The Film

The South African producer Philo Pieterse heard of the film script at the Cannes Film Festival and decided to work with German producers Hans- Christian Hess and Markus Gruber.

"This film will add so much value to our country. It will do for South Africa what Out of Africa did for Kenya," said Pieterse, who collaborated on local movies The Gods Must Be Crazy and Lipstiek Dipstiek, as well as international productions shot in South Africa.

The romantic action adventure will be shot in English and German and be dubbed and subtitled for international audiences.

The German and South African crew have filmed in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kimberley and Knysna. There will also be a few weeks of shooting in Germany.

The scene in which hooded horsemen threaten the wife and baby of Merensky's childhood friend Mashaba, were shot in Krugersdorp, while an opulent dinner party was filmed at the Rand Club in central Johannesburg.

It looks like a scene from The Lord of the Rings - hooded horsemen circling a woman clutching a baby as clouds of dust swirled around her.

The producers weren't talking about the cost of the extravagant production - for which original cars, furniture, cutlery and crockery have been imported. Even money of the period was duplicated and more than 1 000 original costumes brought in from the UK.

The Actors

Although the story has been fictionalised, it is all about Merensky's life. "He was a very interesting, colourful character - adventurous and different," said Hess. An evil stepbrother had been written into the script, as had a love interest, Rosa, played by Isidingo actress Nathalie Boltt.

Boltt, who plays journalist Joey in Isidingo, said the movie was right up her alley. "It's a very feisty role - I get dragged up onto horses, slap other women and get my finger cut off. There's a car chase in a 1912 car and a hot air balloon scene in the middle of Commissioner Street - what else can you ask for?"

Other South African actors include Simo Magwasa, Grethe Fox, Elize Cawood, Graham Hopkins and Paul Ditchfield. Merensky is played by German Tim Bermann.

Platinum will be released internationally.