The Premiere Speech
by Chevãn Van Rooi, The Labia Theatre Cape Town

Film is one of the most powerful means of storytelling. It brings together various modes, say, sound, imagery, speech, and movement to convey meaning, often in an entertaining way. Êrens innie Toekoms is no different. We hear the sound of the birds chirping, we see the children playing on the playground, and speech, or language is used to speak about important issues. Importantly, the various modes work together to create coherent meaning. 

In short, the film is about Kaaps and life on the Cape Flats. One of the film’s objectives is to take Kaaps and its speakers from the shadows of the more standard varieties of Afrikaans and other dominant language varieties, and place it on the centre stage, with spotlights and all. It is to give recognition to a language variety and a people who were for a very long time socially and politically side-lined. The film stands to debunk notions such as kombuis Afrikaans which reduces Kaaps to a variety that is lesser than. As Andrew says in the film, Kaaps is not just a meal that you quickly put together as you rush out to work in the morning. On the contrary, Kaaps is a language variety with a long and rich history, fully fledged and used by many in various spheres of life. 

If there is one word that resounds in my ears it is gratitude. I am grateful to each and everyone who had played a role in the creation of the film.  It goes without saying, but without the help of the many donors, the helpers, the cast and the crew, this film would not have been possible. And the beautiful thing about all of this is that God hand-picked each and everyone who was part of the film project; each one had a unique role to play. I am also equally grateful for the relationships and friendships that were forged during the process. 

Then, to all the supporters, the general public, those who messaged, called, popped-in, bought tickets - all in excitement for the film, for our Kaaps Love project, sho, julle is gevaarlik. Thank you. 

Last, but definitely not least, I would do an injustice to this speech if I do not reflect on and thank my fiancé, Tamzyn-Lee Johannes. She has been there through the most difficult times of this film, as well as the most joyous times. She made me look good even when I was crashing big time. She was, simply put, amazing. 

If there is one message that I’d like to leave with you this evening, it will be: go for it. This film came from nothing but an idea that was birthed early hours of a morning in April 2020. There were so many challenges (from funding applications being rejected to people not pitching for agreed upon duties)  and moments of despair. But we persevered through all of it, we held on to the faith that ‘this too shall pass’ and that greater things await. So, in essence, we shouldn't undermine an idea. They have hidden inside of them the potential  to do great things. 

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the premiere of Êrens innie Toekoms, a film by Jaak Erasmus. Thank you for taking the time out to join us here today. It is my hope that you enjoy the film, and if not, that at least you would learn something about the language called Kaaps.