New horizons for Isidingo head writer

We have long known Isidingo head writer Rohan Dickson for his writing prowess, has bagged the honours for Best South African Short Fiction Film (Welcome to Hawaii). He reflects on the genesis of his short film, when he also got to make his debut as a director. By Debashine Thangevelo

When The Wild - I spent three years on that - got cancelled, I went freelance. I was on High Rollers, joining more on the tail end of the season, and I worked as a scriptwriter for Isibaya. I also helped Africanise' the script of Kite, with Samuel L Jackson, which was shot in South Africa. Basically, I was a true gun for hire, so to speak.

While trying to survive as a freelancer, he approached Chris Vermaak, a steady cam operator on The Wild and the DOP on the film, and Karen (Vermaak's wife), who produced the film. With 15 years' experience under his belt, the scriptwriter/head writer seized the opportunity to try his hand at directing.

Between the three of them, they pooled together the cast and crew - drawing from their contacts in the industry. Most importantly, it was all done without a budget.

Dickson explains: Chris had all the gear. I did a few drafts. We looked at having it at one contained location. We did the whole thing, wanting to see how far it could go without any budget - which is ill-advised. (laughs)

And they secured James Alexander, Tiffany Barbuzano, James Cunningham and Dickson's then seven-year-old daughter.

He shares: My daughter had never acted before.

While Welcome to Hawaii was shot in two days, it took five months in post-production.

He admits: It was simply because of money. Once you wrap, the complications start. We relied on people's time and favours, really.

Given the hurdles in making the short film, they were unsure about entering it into festivals.

When we showed it to family and friends, they, obviously, said nice things. I don't think we were particularly confident that an audience would want to see it. So we were tentative about sending it out to festivals - but sent it to the Jozi Film Festival anyway.

Not only was he blown away by the short film's reception at the premiere, winning the award boosted those confidence levels.

He shares: Several years ago, I had an amazing experience with Husk, which showcased as Cannes and all over the world. This was just more special because it was in our hometown film festival. And it is about Jozi in its domestic quirkiness.

It was also more delightful because you defied the odds in making the film.

The plot centres on a husband, who is thrown a Hawaiian-themed 40th by his wife. At the same time, a guest at the party forces him to address a disturbing problem.

Dickson offers: It's a very quirky tale, but it has a dark underbelly and offers a feeling of unease.

Still on a high after his win on Sunday night, he confirms: Isidingo is my day job. One I'm passionate about. But this has given me the confidence to take it further. I'm really excited about directing again.

On realising his plans for Isidingo, he reveals: The challenge is in always keeping it fresh, original and, more than that, relevant to the 18-, 19- and 20-year-old viewers of today. There is a really good energy on set and we are trying as hard as possible to become competitive. This isn't easy when there are also loads of telenovealas popping out of everywhere. But, as I said, we are passionate about what we are doing. Right now, it feels like a really nice combination of things in my life: Isidingo and the side projects.

Considering this script-writer-turned-director with the Midas touch made so much noise with a venture that had zilch in the coffers, it will be interesting to see what he churns out next. Who knows, this leap of faith could be a win in more ways that one!

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