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Brian Thompson

Making a Movie at AfrikaBurn

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As the dust stirs and the spirit of AfrikaBurn begins to whisper in the winds of the Karoo, an unprecedented adventure beckons. This year, amidst the canvas of creativity and self-expression that defines our gathering, myself and a merry band of creatives are introducing a cinematic project unlike any other — a full length fictional film that seeks to capture the essence of our collective experiences, dreams, and realities, set at AfrikaBurn. And you, the heartbeat of this grand landscape,  are invited to play a pivotal role in this extraordinary venture.


Everyone is invited and we are looking for collaborators of all kinds. Actors, extras, crew members, makeup artists, high five specialists, you name it. In addition, and to ensure we not only have consent but also a plan in place we are looking for campsites who will allow us to film scenes at their locations, theme camps that will allow us to dance to their music, mutant vehicles who will allow us to film them, a campsite for our actors to sleep at, and anyone who is willing to lend a hand in helping us pull this extraordinary feat off!


Begin this journey with us by exploring here and reading more.


My Story: The Death


Life often has its own script, filled with unexpected twists and pivotal moments that redefine our path. Living life as a corporate and commercial attorney I knew something was wrong. I was earning money and people respected me. Everyone was telling me how good I was doing, but I felt the opposite. Something was very wrong. And instead of doing what every instinct in my body told me to do (jump) I pretended everything was okay. But the universe had other plans for me.


Diagnosed with PTSD after being held up by gunpoint on multiple occasions and slipping into depression and substance abuse I reached a point where I couldn’t go on. It was time to give up. I didn’t want to be alive anymore.


A Rebirth Through Creativity: The Transformation


I was one of the lucky ones. Somehow I got away from it all and I can stand here and tell my story. I jumped out of the world of law and dove headfirst into the thing that would come to save me: Cinema. And I have been repaid tenfold for the decision, which everyone told me was a bad move, and have had the fortune of turning this into an incredible career.


And now I want to spread the lessons of life the only way I know how, through storytelling. The film we're embarking upon at AfrikaBurn, set at the end of the world, symbolizes this journey of transformation and healing, encapsulating the essence of our shared human condition—our fears, our joys, and our infinite capacity for rebirth amidst adversity.


An Epiphany in the Desert: The Rebirth


AfrikaBurn last year was a pivotal moment for me. Standing on the Binnekring I was hit with a story as clear as if someone had whispered it into my ears. It was a story, told in a world on the brink of disaster, of a brother being sent to reunite with his sister, who runs away to find solace in the desert in the last hours of life. This tale, though fantastical, is deeply personal, mirroring the journey I took to find myself in the desert. Our film ventures into this dichotomy, set against the backdrop of an ending world, exploring themes of change, growth, fear, and acceptance.


Join Our Cinematic Expedition: The Creation


With cameras set to roll on April 15, 2024, we stand at the threshold of something truly magical. The making of a movie is a monumental feat, one that thrives on the diversity of its creators. From roles on screen to the myriad of tasks backstage, your spirit and skills are the keys to unlocking this dream. We're filming in Cape Town from 15 – 26 April and then AfrikaBurn from April 28 to May 5. Every gesture of support, every shared story, adds to the tapestry we're weaving together.


How to Engage:



Watch our pre-shoot trailer here:



 We're on the brink of something groundbreaking. Join us in this journey of creation!


With anticipation and gratitude <3

Robert dos Santos & The Film Crew


 
 
 

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