KNYSNA NEWS - Big dreams are brewing for an 11-year-old girl from Belvidere, Knysna who plays a lead role in the film '8' that is currently being shot on location in Karatara and surrounds.
With mesmerising green eyes and a confident smile, Keita Luna says her prominent role in the film came about rather unexpectedly.
As a new Knysnarian who has only been living in Knysna for just over six months, she admits to loving the experience.
“My mother and I were browsing through Facebook when we saw this opportunity. It was a casting call for an actress. I just wanted to do it!” she exclaims.
After Keita sent an introductory video of herself to the producers, they asked her to do another video, this time with a script. "After I sent this to them, a couple of producers came to see me here in Knysna and thereafter offered me the role. I was so excited.”
School takes the backburner
The Knysna Montessori School Grade 5 learner had to miss most of school for the past month due to the film. “On my off days I go to school and bring home the work that I need to do. I have a tutor on set. I'm trying to catch up and not miss anything,” she says. “My friends are happy and excited for me too.”
Her mother, Andy Crawford, says it came about all very sudden and rather unexpected.
“We were absolutely delighted that she got the part,” admits Crawford. “It's a horror movie, so we asked the producers to shield her from that horror so that she's not exposed to too much at this young age. "
Knysna resident Keita Luna (11) is playing a lead role in a movie currently being filmed in Karatara. Photos: Yaseen Gaffar
Keita says she still gets nervous sometimes.
“My first time in front of the cameras was very nerve-wracking. But I adjusted quickly and it doesn't bother me anymore. I have sensitive eyes too, and there's always a light shining towards you during shooting. So that also took some getting used to.”
Start of things to come"
Keita's role in the movie requires a scene in which she is crying.
“Erm, I don't find it difficult to cry on the spot," she comments on that. "I just think of something really sad. I'm loving acting.”
Crawford says Keita has been working really hard, and some shifts are trying, such as scenes shot during the night through to the early hours of the morning.
“Everyone has been really supportive,” says Keita, as her mom adds, “The production crew have been so professional, helpful and so amazing. This is such a positive first experience in a film for my daughter. There's been no drama, they've been down to earth and understanding – we are really pleased with how things are handled.”
Keita says this could well just be the start of things to come. “I'm enjoying it so much, I'll probably audition for more roles in the future.”
• The film 8 is being produced by SA production company Man Makes a Film, and is based on the African supernatural. It is scheduled for release by October next year.
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