Emerging actor/producer Keveshan Govender decided to shape his own fate in the film and television industry when he struggled to find work.
Now, a year later, he has established his own casting and production company, appeared in a few movies and series, has been involved in casting and production on film and TV sets and he wrote, directed and produced a short film, Diwali Dhamaka, which was screened on Glow TV earlier this year.
Govender, 18, who was born and raised in Tongaat, now lives in Westbrook, near Ballito.
“In between work, I am studying film and television production under my mentor, film-maker Cherie Mbadu of Imago Productions Worldwide,” he said.
Govender said from a young age he was spellbound by movies and knew he wanted to be involved in the industry.
“I loved watching local dramas and wished to have my own production company. I drew inspiration from the late Shona Ferguson. I was an aspiring actor from a young age, but it is difficult to catch a break or just get a foot in the door. That was when I decided to start my own casting agency. It was a way to build my portfolio and start a database. Soon after this, I got more involved in film production, by being behind the scenes.
“I took a liking to this work and became more interested in it. That was when I started writing my own stories and scripts. I started actively pitching to the Department of Trade and Industry and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and those kinds of platforms.
“I recently produced KG Castings & Productions’ first short film, Diwali Dhamaka. This was screened on Glow TV and DStv this year. The film can currently be viewed online on our YouTube page: KG Productions.”
“Diwali Dhamaka is based on how poverty can affect the family dynamic, specifically in an Indian home. The film focuses on the celebration of Diwali by two boys and their experiences while growing up in a poverty-stricken home.
Govender has since been involved in various aspects of production, including the film Break Up and he produced the film Messed Up. Both are scheduled for release later this year on cinema and stream TV.
He is currently the line producer of Sugar Cane Boy by Rubendra Govender, a film based on Rubendra’s book of the same name. Production is expected to start at the end of this month.
Govender said he believes great things lie ahead for the local film and TV industry.
“The South African film industry has shown year-on-year growth in the number of foreign productions being shot in the country and those locally produced. These are a testament to our expertise, both creatively and technically. South Africa has the capability to produce stories to international standards.”
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