A young Strandfontein film student wants to change the perception of coloured people in local films with his own movie.
Caylum Hughes, 23, is releasing his short film called Dala Jy on Saturday at a special screening at Tiger’s Milk in Long Street.
The third-year Film and Media student studies at SAE Institute and says he is keen to break down stereotypes in the film industry once he gets his big break.
Caylum’s film highlights the dance culture on the Cape Flats and features local dancers and actors
“The aim of Dala Jy is to help uplift the youth in our Cape coloured communities and try to shift or change people’s perspectives of how they see coloured culture,” he says.
“A lot of movies that represent the culture are about drugs and gangsterism.
“No doubt films such as Noem My Skollie, Four Corners and Ellen Pakkies are amazing and I would recommend anyone to watch them, however, Coloured Culture is influenced heavily by drugs and gangsterism, but we are not all the same.”
After growing a passion for Gqom, Caylum, a professional choreographer, incorporated this into his film.
He released a trailer of his film two months ago which has had over 50 000 views.
“People seem very excited and eager to see the full film,” he says.
“The name of the film is inspired by the chants one hears when you are at Gqom Battle.”
Dala Jy took seven days to film and three weeks for post production.
“We took Gqom to another level and it’s really a safe haven and good for the communities and culture,” he adds.
Tickets are R23 for the online screening via Quicket.