A heartwarming and humorous film inspired by a viral moment, “My F*k Marelize”, will explore the resilience and charm of a Namibian family as they navigate life’s challenges with laughter and love.
Western Cape, South Africa (30 August 2024) – There’s something magical about the way South Africans find humour in life’s little mishaps. We love to laugh – whether it’s a viral video, a witty comeback, or a situation so absurd you can’t help but chuckle. And sometimes, those moments we laugh at have a way of becoming part of a much bigger picture.
This is certainly true for “My F*k Marelize,” a phrase that started as a hilarious snippet and is now set to become a full-blown feature film!
It all started with a video that rocketed around the globe – a young woman named Marelize Horn was innocently riding her bicycle in Namibia when, suddenly, she collided with a rugby goalpost. Her mother, Heidi Horn, captured the moment on camera and exclaimed the words now etched in viral history: “My f*k Marelize!” The moment was so ridiculous because Marelize was on a massive empty rugby field and somehow still hit the rugby goalpost.
Because we all deserve a Friday laugh… and this video will ALWAYS make me giggle.
My fok Marelize. 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/xanU25rPP7
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) August 30, 2024
The clip brought countless laughs to everyone who saw it, becoming a standard response in Namibia and South Africa for any epic public fail, always delivered with a wink and a smile.
But here’s the twist – that unforgettable moment of Marelize’s cycling misadventure has sparked an inspiration much more significant than a simple viral video. Yesterday, MultiChoice announced that production is underway for “My F*k Marelize,” a feature film that promises to be more than just a comedy. Revealed at this year’s Silwerskerm Film Festival in Cape Town, the film is set in Windhoek, Namibia, and will dive deep into the true events surrounding the Horn family.
This story goes beyond just a funny phrase. It will follow Marelize Horn on her journey as she prepares to become an au pair in the Netherlands while her mother, Heidi, bravely faces a cancer diagnosis. Against the lively backdrop of WIKA, the annual Windhoek Carnival, this film will show us that there’s always more beneath the surface of any situation – and often, it’s filled with depth, resilience, and heart.
Brett Michael Innes, the South African Film and Television Award-winning screenwriter behind hits like “Sink” and “Fiela’s Child,” has penned the script.
He shared, “This film is going to surprise everyone. When people think of a movie based on the phrase ‘my f*k, Marelize,’ they’re probably expecting a slapstick comedy about a teenager who bumps into things all the time. The story of the Horn family has so much more depth than that.”
And indeed, it promises to be a heartfelt celebration of life, family, and the unbreakable spirit that often accompanies our laughter.
Zandré Coetzer, making her feature directorial debut after working on the popular South African series “Dinge van ‘n kind,” added: “This story is a celebration of life. A showcase of how our people in Namibia and South Africa greet every challenge with a joke and face it with laughter. I was fortunate to spend time with the Horn family, and witnessing their dynamic as a unit gave me such a clear vision for the film. As an Afrikaner, it is really special to be able to celebrate my language, culture and people in a story that speaks to our humour and way of doing life.”
This cross-border collaboration brings together a talented team of filmmakers from Namibia and South Africa, including Windhoek-based producers Joel and Sophie Haikali of Joe Vision Productions and South African production companies Nagvlug Films and Nostalgia Productions. The film will also have the support of kykNET Films, MultiChoice Namibia, and the National Film & Video Foundation, ensuring a truly regional flavour.
“This film is a love letter to Windhoek life,” said Haikali, “a celebration of quirky Namibian charm and vibrant spirit with plenty of humour.”
And the Horn family has been involved from the beginning. Marelize Horn herself shared, “When I got a random Facebook message from Brett last year about wanting to make a film about our family, I didn’t know quite what to expect. Now they’re about to start filming, and I can’t wait to see how our experience is brought to life.”
So, while the phrase “My f*k Marelize” might make us think of epic blunders and light-hearted giggles, the film promises to bring a story that is rich, meaningful, and filled with the kind of spirit that turns even the smallest moments into something worth cherishing. Filming begins in September, and we can’t wait to see how the magic unfolds!
Because sometimes, a simple laugh is just the start of something much, much bigger.
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