Sean-Marco Vorster in Vergeet My Nie
After a dreadful break-up, a strikingly cultured student stuck in the small town of Potchefstroom, packs her bags for the adventure and bright lights of London. She falls head over heels in love with a handsome, barefoot Namibian, but allows her fears to get the better of her. When he knocks on her door years later, with promises of horizons and a life together, she can play it safe and choose the alluring city lights, or she can risk it all for sunsets, sand dunes and barefoot love. This is the bubblegum love setting of South Africa’s newest sensational movie, Vergeet My Nie. Sean-Marco Vorster chats about his role in the movie.
How did you get started in the acting / entertainment field?
It definitely started at a very young age when I found that I would spend evenings talking myself to sleep pretending I am whomever I saw on the television that evening. I was fortunate enough to land my first supporting role in a Afrikaans horror film called Lyfstraf back in 2009 right before I went to film school. That pretty much solidified the idea of myself being an actor and my career choices that followed. I soon realised though that actors are just one of the vast tools directors make use of to tell stories and soon changed my major to Directing and script-writing.
What are the attractions or challenges of playing a real life person?
It was all very scary in the beginning to be honest. It felt like my character was set on a one way path. But soon after I met with Andre Velts, the director, we started toying with the different aspects of the character and together we found ways of making it our own. It turned out to be one of the more exciting things that I’ve had the privilege of being part rather than this daunting idea I had in my head.
Was there anything in particular that drew you to the role of Hugo, that you can maybe relate with yourself?
His patience and his inner confidence in his life and himself. It struck me during filming that once you have this type of attitude you can start sharing this particular way of being. It wasn’t something I could necessarily relate to before we started filming but it most certainly is something that I aspire to exude in my own path forward.
My website, Pop Speaking (soon to be renamed) was set up as a tribute to the famous American actor John Ritter, who, in a 1976 interview, when asked how he would like to be remembered, stated that he’d like to be remembered as someone who tweaked the golden thread of humanity. This means basically as someone who makes other people across countries, generations, races, feel, laugh, etc. Is this a concept that interests you?
Sure. It’s no secret that we as human beings crave recognising for impact. Cause and effect. We all want to be part of a cause that has a profound or meaningful effect. Whether it is in a small way, perhaps within your family, or a big way where we touch the perceptions of the masses. I think the golden thread is something that inherently belongs to our subconcious.
A lot of South Africans ARE actually making the move, temporarily or permanently, to the UK. Any words of advice, or just a simple connection, for them?
Not sure what they’re on about but I personally can’t walk barefoot in London so it’s not for me. We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. To each their own, sure, but definitely not for me.
Do you have any advice to others wanting to start out in the South African film industry?
Mmm this is a tricky one. Spend time finding your root cause. The why. Why do you want to be part of an industry that tells stories? It’s most certainly not an easy industry and when the times get tough you have to be able to hold onto that idea of purpose. If you can find a strong sense of that within yourself then I would say go for it.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Much love and thank you for the interest and having me here.
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