Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The secret's out! In May last year, Plett became the backdrop for a Netflix rom-com, Yoh! Bestie.
Part of the film was set on the steps of The Ivory Haus Boutique Hotel in Main Street and was captured on video and pictures by the Knysna Plett Herald under the headline: Is it a soapy? Is it a movie? No, it's a mystery...
At the time, producer Janine Kuhn was "nowhere near being able to talk publicly about the project".
Plett Tourism said in a media statement on Wednesday 11 February that Plettenberg Bay had taken centre stage on 6 February with the international premiere of the Netflix feature film.
The story centres on a destination wedding, with Plett serving as a striking cinematic backdrop, showcasing its iconic coastal beauty and world-class offerings to a global audience, read the statement.
Milestone
Created by Tiffany and Johnny Barbuzano and produced by BBZee Films, Yoh! Bestie provides the long-awaited resolution to the cliff-hanger ending of Yoh! Christmas, reuniting fans with the beloved Thando (Katlego Lebogang) and Charles (Siya Sepotokele).
The production used Plettenberg Bay's unique outdoor locations, exquisite hotels and restaurants, and sweeping shorelines to establish the film's romantic and high-stakes atmosphere.
Yoh! Bestie highlights why the Garden Route remains a premier destination for destination weddings, international travellers and major film productions, said the statement.
"This is a significant milestone for our local industry," says Linda Packwood of Plett Film, which markets Plett as a destination to the film industry. "Unlike many productions where our scenery stands in for other parts of the world, Yoh! Bestie is actually about Plett.
"Seeing our airport, our villas and our coastlines featured as themselves on a global platform like Netflix is a powerful boost for our brand as a premier film destination."
Economic surge
Filmed during May, a traditionally quiet period for local tourism, the production brought a vital economic surge to the area.
Acting Plett Tourism CEO Cindy Wilson-Trollip said: "Film shoots in Plett bring money directly into the local economy, filling beds, hiring cast and crews, feeding teams, and paying for permits and locations. And the free global advertising of our beautiful town keeps on giving long after the cameras pack up."
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