JEFFREYS BAY – Jeffreys Bay filmmaker, Vicki Fourie, has successfully wrapped filming on her National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) grant-funded short film, ThisAbility, completing production in early October after months of careful preparation.
As previously reported, Fourie was awarded a prestigious grant from the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) to produce a short film this year, becoming the only recipient from the Eastern Cape among just four successful applicants nationwide.
The film, ThisAbility, which explores the story of a deaf teenager who becomes entangled in Jeffreys Bay’s taxi crime underworld, was shot over four days from 6 to 9 October, with additional voiceover work completed on 9 October.
Fourie said that filming ThisAbility was an incredible journey, full of ups and downs.
After months of pre-production from April to September, she said that she had to choose among five production companies and, after many meetings, she decided on RED Creative Collaboration.
Fourie said that she was very happy with her choice as they provided a safe, creative space and supportive environment on set, which was very important to her, so that everyone could express their creativity fully.
She said that the production faced typical Jeffreys Bay challenges, with weather playing a significant role during filming.
“The wind was fierce, which is so typical of the area. We braved the conditions and did our best to work around them. We eventually completed voice-overs in the studio on 9 October because it was impossible to record on location at the taxi rank,” said Fourie.
Despite the challenging conditions, she described the experience as overwhelmingly positive.
“For me, as a director and producer, the experience was professional, seamless, joyful and immensely creative. Almost everything ran smoothly, with the only challenge being the wind,” said Fourie.
The film features leading performances by Xabi Ndodana and Fiks Mahola, with Fourie herself taking on the role of the antagonist.
Supporting roles were filled by Ruud Petrus, along with 15 extras provided by Pastor Neil Tarentaal from AGS Emmanuel Pellsrus in Pellsrus.
While Fourie had hoped to cast a deaf actress in the leading role, she was unable to find the right person for the part.
She said that she chose Ndodana, who also completed her Honours with Fourie at AFDA in 2024.
“Interestingly, even though I am deaf myself, I ended up playing a hearing role, the antagonist, which I find fascinating. While none of our main cast or crew are deaf or hard-of-hearing, we were very mindful of representing the Deaf experience with research, sensitivity and collaboration,” said Fourie.
She said that the local community embraced the production wholeheartedly, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
“The Humansdorp Taxi Association generously lent us taxis and trusted us with their vehicles, while the Lotter family from Vlakteplaas allowed us to use their warehouse as a key filming location,” said Fourie.
Since this represents her first film as director and producer, the filming experience marked a significant milestone in her career.
“Filming my first short film has been nothing short of magical. Every scene felt like a discovery, and I was inspired daily by the creativity and commitment of the team,” said Fourie.
Her recent achievements extend beyond the completion of ThisAbility.
She was recently named a winner in the Arts, Film and Media category of the 2025 Mail & Guardian Power of Women Awards.
Fourie is also a finalist in the Forty Under 40 Awards, and together with her mother, Bonita, who co-produced the film, they are in the Top 25 of the EmpowerAfriq Women’s Awards.
Post-production is currently underway, with Fourie targeting completion by the end of 2025.
“Post-production has already begun, and we hope to complete the trailer, film, poster and all other materials by the end of 2025. Once the film is finished, we plan to submit it to distributors, as well as enter it into film festivals and competitions, so that ThisAbility can reach audiences both locally and internationally,” said Fourie.
She said that they are currently seeking support to host a premiere, as their budget is fully stretched.
Fourie said that they would be incredibly grateful for sponsorship for a venue, catering, or technical support.
For aspiring filmmakers in similar small towns, she offers encouraging advice to embrace the local community and recognise the surrounding hidden treasures.
“Every person you work with carries a unique gift. Approach filmmaking with joy, curiosity and openness. Don’t be afraid to start small because your story matters, and you can uncover gold even with limited resources,” said Fourie.
Reflecting on her journey, she emphasised the transformative nature of the experience and how her film career finally took off after 15 years of hard work.
“Before filming, we had a meet-and-greet at my house, where I gave each crew member and actor a letter with a keyring. It was a small but meaningful symbol. For many years, doors represented disappointment for me; closed doors, missed chances and endless waiting. Finally, after 15 years, the door finally swung wide open with ThisAbility, and it was an honour for this crew of 11 to walk through it with me,” said Fourie.
Organisations or individuals interested in supporting the premiere can contact Vicki Fourie at vickifourie@yahoo.com.
Her filmmaking journey can be followed on her Facebook Page – Vicki Fourie, and on her blog at vickifourie.com.
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