Although local audiences were looking forward to the release of KAALGAT KAREL, the hilarious new Afrikaans romantic comedy by Boondogle Films, which would have been released on 24 September 2020 (Heritage Day), the producers Paul Egan and Meg Rickards (who is also the director) had to take the very tough decision, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to delay the release until February 2021. Egan and Rickards were also responsible for the fiction feature Tess and the documentary 1994: The Bloody Miracle.
The wonderful news, however, is that KAALGAT KAREL will now be a Valentine’s release for 2021. This romantic comedy will show in cinemas from 12 February 2021 nationwide and promises lots of love, humour, sport, and high-adrenalin fun! “We are very excited that we secured the Valentine’s Day weekend release, which is one of the most sought-after slots on the cinema calendar, especially for the romantic comedy genre,” says Meg.
According to Paul and Meg the film is coming together beautifully and it is now in the final stages of postproduction. “The film will be completed by mid-August and we are already entering it into a variety of comedy film festivals worldwide and are getting super positive responses so far,” says Paul.
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KAALGAT KAREL tells the story of Karel Venter (Francois Jacobs – Donkerland, Vir die Voëls, Pad Na Jou Hart), a guy who loves the thrill of streaking during sports matches – and the accompanying social media stardom! He falls head-over-heels for the paramedic, Rita (Christia Visser –Tess, Ballade vir ’n Enkeling, Hollywood in my Huis), who saves him after a streak gone wrong, but there’s a problem; she’s a strait-laced single mom who has no interest in his streaking shenanigans.
This sets the stage for the Romcom of 2021, which was filmed in East London earlier this year. Other much-loved actors include Schalk Bezuidenhout (Kanarie, Hotel, Sara se Geheim) who stars as Karel’s friend and roommate Flip; Siv Ngesi (Knuckle City, 24, Black Sails) as Vuyo, Karel’s streaking rival; comedian and singer, Tracey-Lee Oliver (The Voice, Project Fame) as Rita’s fellow paramedic, and Eden Classens (Suidooster, Dancing with the Stars) in the role of the glamorous plastic surgeon Jean-Pierre du Toit.
The film will also feature Rosabelle Clasen, daughter of local entertainment powerhouse couple, Neels and Eloise Clasen, in the role of Bella, Rita’s daughter.
KAALGAT KAREL is an endearing love story – the ultimate date night movie – and will appeal to a wide South African audience. It is being produced in cooperation with kykNET, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its brand integration partners, Galito’s, Red Alert and the Hathaway Group of Guesthouses.
The film is distributed locally by Filmfinity (Pty) Ltd. and will start showing in theatres nationwide on 12 February 2021.
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