AFDA is proud to announce that alumnus Jordy Sank’s feature film, Die Kwiksilwers, will be released in cinemas across the country on 1 May 2025.
The film made waves at last year’s kykNET Silwerskerm Festival, winning the Audience Festival Favourite Award along with two additional accolades for Best Sound Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Directed and co-written by Jordy Sank, Die Kwiksilwers is a testament to AFDA’s legacy of nurturing creative talent. Fellow AFDA alumni also contributed significantly to the project: Marista van Eeden as co-screenwriter, Esther Badenhorst as editor, and Edward George King, who composed the soundtrack and original score.
At the heart of the story is Kwiksilwer, a vintage Ford Granada that’s far more than just a car. For Elsabe Marais (played by Lida Botha), it’s a time capsule of cherished memories shared with her late husband, with whom she embarked on many adventurous road trips.
Determined and spirited, Elsabe sets off on one final journey, this time with three of her elderly friends to witness a meteor shower in Sutherland. Her travel companions are her nosy neighbour Anna (June van Merch), the flamboyant Mienkie (Susanne Beyers), and the quiet and thoughtful Katie (Theresa Sedras). With just three days to reach their destination, the women must also outwit Elsabe’s overprotective son, Wikus (Jacques Bessenger), who is determined to stop them.
Through Die Kwiksilwers, the creative team sends a powerful message: it’s never too late to embrace life and new adventures.
“Lida was in her late eighties during filming, yet she was the most energetic person on set!” says Jordy. “All the women, June, Susanne, and Theresa, brought so much heart, humour, and authenticity to their roles. They proved that you’re never too old to grow, learn, and experience joy.”
Jordy also expressed gratitude to the Silwerskerm Festival for championing local storytelling.
“I believe it’s one of the most important film festivals in South Africa. It gives emerging filmmakers a platform to be heard, more than any other marketing avenue on the continent. Without it, many of my stories might never have made it to the screen.”
Die Kwiksilwers is distributed by Filmfinity and offers South African audiences the perfect excuse to gather friends and family for a nostalgic road trip, this time, to the cinema.