Brand-new feature film ’n Weldeurdagte wagwoord vir Wikus van Wyk on kykNET this June
It’s a story that plays out worldwide. Children leave their parents to seek a better life on another continent. The parents will do anything to keep in touch with the children and grandchildren, but every now and then, technology gets in the way.
This is the story of ’n Weldeurdagte Wagwoord vir Wikus van Wyk, kykNET’s feature film debuting on 15 June at 20:00.
The technophobic Wikus van Wyk becomes the victim of a scam when he has to set up his Google password to meet his overseas grandchild via a video call. But is the person helping him really who they claim to be?
The writer and director is Marista van Eeden, and the cast includes Gerben Kamper as Wikus, Dihan Keun as Luan, Claudia Jones as Melany, Mia-Anne O’Kennedy as Sonja, Elma Potgieter as Ronél, and Susan Coetzer as Riekie.
Marista says the film’s central theme is technology – something that is harder for us as a society to ignore than to notice.
“I directed school plays for a long time, and it was remarkable to me how teenagers and young people (me included) began to use their cellphones more and more like an extra limb. With a cellphone, everything is within reach – texts, textbooks, music, films, overseas friends, delivery services. But this is, of course, in stark contrast to some of the older generation for whom technology remains foreign. My own grandmother never owned a cellphone, and there was a large part of the world (the internet) that was inexplicable to her. How do you explain the internet to someone without scaring them a little? I think it was precisely this generation gap that inspired me to write the film. I wanted to explore what happens when technology becomes a bridge between generations rather than a divide.”
What does she hope viewers will get from the movie?
“So far, it has been wonderful to hear that people could recognise themselves in certain situations,” says Marista. “A case of ‘yes, this is like me and my dad.’ I hope the film helps people understand and gives them a chance to laugh and shed a tear. In the end, technology is just a tool. Human relationships and connections are what really matter. If both young and old can gain a bit of understanding through technology from the film, then it’s mission accomplished.”
Gerben admits he is a lot like Wikus when it comes to technology.
“That part of the character came naturally,” he says. “Marista, as both writer and director, was able to guide me to the Wikus she had captured on paper and whom I had the privilege of bringing to life.”
For Marista and Gerben, the team involved was a highlight.
“The entire team, in front of and behind the cameras, up to editing and post-production, was by far the biggest highlight for me,” says Marista. “Their friendliness, passion and knowledge really made the process unforgettable. I have nothing but respect for every name on the credits list.”
What is Gerben’s advice to other older people in the same situation?
“Let the children fly and listen to what they have to say for once. Hand over the reins a bit to the next generation,” he says.
’n Weldeurdagte Wagwoord vir Wikus van Wyk feature film debuts on 15 June at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) and will also available on Catch Up and DStv Stream.
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