Greta Henley, an incredible South African, filmed 2 short movies (PROMISE & RECOVERY), in Cape Town last year. Her goal was to show-case local talent in film & her dream was to be selected for one of the prestigious international film festivals… just so they could promote our proudly South African films, cast & crew globally.
Months before shooting, Greta was at a restaurant in Hout Bay when a charming man came to the table to sell The Big Issue.
His name was Joseph Klink.
“It struck me that he looked a touch like Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He also possessed the same calm & grace.”
Greta chatted to Joseph for a while, learnt that he had been been a Big Issue vendor for around 18 years, heard some stories of his journey & asked for his name & telephone number.
“Coincidentally there was an article in that issue where he was featured… so I asked him to sign it for me & write down his phone number. That was that… we both went on our way.”
Fast forward about 6 months when screening started for PROMISE… the script called for 4 speaking roles. Three of those roles were offered to talented professional actors Joelle Coutinho, Francis Chouler & Nolly Meje.
The 4th speaking role needed a Big Issue Salesman, who would be in 2 critical scenes with their lead actress.
Greta knew exactly who to call & after loads of digging around her office, she found that signed copy of The Big Issue
“Who better to play a role of a Big Issue Salesman than the real thing! I had no idea if he could act but I wanted to give it a try.”
With the full support of Director Craig Hunter Parker & the rest of their team (as well as The Big Issue management), she made the phonecall.
Joseph graciously agreed to be part of the cast.
“He was a patient & willing actor & after a busy day filming at a street corner in Kenilworth, we successfully shot the two scenes we needed.”
Joseph attended the awesome private premiere they hosted at the Labia Theatre in Cape Town in March with his son.
“He loved the experience & was over-joyed to spend the night with his son.”
And now there is even better news for him – Joseph will be on the big screen among quite a few stars next week in Los Angeles.
PROMISE is premiering in the US next week at the OSCAR qualifying, BAFTA accredited LA Shorts Fest in downtown Los Angeles.
It will screen on the feted opening night of the festival & the team are incredibly proud that it is the only short film to be selected from South Africa!!!!!! And also the whole of Africa!!!!!!!
“While none of us will be attending the Premier in LA, one can’t take away the fact that Joseph… a dedicated grandfather who spends his days selling Big Issue Magazines in Hout Bay… is having a special moment as a star in Hollywood next week!!!!”
