Bloemfontein-based Storytown Productions has earned two SAFTA nominations for its documentary ’n Gids vir Louzanne, in the categories of Best Short Documentary and Best Directing in Documentary.
Charlene Stanley, co-founder of Storytown Productions, with her husband Eddie, expressed their gratitude for the recognition. “We are incredibly grateful and honoured to be nominated, and give all the glory to God,” she said.
The documentary tells the inspiring story of blind Paralympian Louzanne Coetzee and her close relationship with her athletics guides. “The relationship between a blind athlete and their guide is very special. In essence, it turns an individual sport into a team sport,” Stanley noted.
According to her, local involvement played a crucial role in the production’s success. The University of the Free State provided filming access, while local talents like musician Debbie Brink and photographer Rian Horn contributed to the project.
Looking ahead, Storytown Productions is eager to build on this success, with projects like a wellness series and a young adult show in the works. “All these projects showcase talent in our home province, which is often overlooked on national platforms,” Stanley added.
Bloemfontein Courant reached out to Coetzee to hear how she feels about the nomination. “It was wonderful to receive the news while I was in Paris, after winning the medal,” she said.
She added that it felt like receiving another medal. “I am super proud of Charlene and the whole team and feel so fortunate that it was nominated in those categories. I actually cannot believe that it was nominated to begin with, it still feels surreal and super cool to be part of it.”
Furthermore, Bloemfonteiner Terseka Muishond has once again landed a nomination for scriptwriting as part of the popular soapie Scandal’s scriptwriting team.
Justine Fortuin
