Elani Dekker and her fiancé, Stiaan Smith, set out on an incredible journey to bring their film, “Die Bloedhonde,” to life on the small screen. The “Silverton Siege” actress and Smith spent three transformative years traveling across South Africa, a period they describe as one of self-discovery and deep reflection.
Following their unforgettable experiences in van life, Smith, known for the SAFTA-winning series “Hotel,” wrote the screenplay for Dekker. The film revolves around a murder mystery set in a conservative community and is currently streaming on Showmax.
Dekker plays Katrien, who, during a family camping trip, starts to suspect that the beloved dominee (played by Tobie Cronjé) may be involved in an apparent suicide at the resort. With only a middle-aged drifter, Jasper (Waldemar Schultz), believing her, they set out to prove the church, the community, and her family wrong.
“I was involved from the very beginning of the film’s development, so it felt right for me to take on the challenge of playing Katrien,” Dekker shared.
Reflecting on their travels, she remarked, “It was amazing to explore our beautiful country and experience life in different regions. The camping environment greatly influenced the story, and many character names are inspired by real people we met during our travels, serving as a tribute to them and to South Africa’s camping culture.”
After years of dedication, Dekker is excited about the film’s release. “It’s surreal when a film finally comes out, and I remind myself that it may resonate differently with various audiences, and that’s perfectly okay.”
She expressed immense pride in “Die Bloedhonde,” particularly in what her partner Stiaan conveyed through the story. “I believe people from all walks of life will connect with the film because it explores universal themes, such as respecting one’s own truths.”
Dekker hopes viewers will ponder the nature of good and evil: “Is there truly such a thing as a villain who is purely evil, or are we all just trying to find safety and survive? The film delves into who the real enemy is, which is one of my favorite themes.”
The movie also examines complex family dynamics. “Katrien learns to accept herself and her family as they are, reconsidering her desire to change them. We all have families, and it’s inevitable that we won’t always see eye to eye.”
Dekker identified with various characters, saying, “I was challenged to make space for perspectives I don’t agree with. Stiaan has crafted authentic personalities, and I trust viewers will see reflections of society in these characters.”
Working on this project was a unique experience for Dekker. “This was the first film I was involved with from its inception, making it a personal story for me. I often feel like the odd one out with my family, which makes this project particularly special.”
However, playing Katrien presented challenges. “Portraying her driven and frustrated energy was daunting for me at first, as it contrasts sharply with my personality. Yet, like many difficult experiences, it turned out to be the most rewarding aspect of the project.”
Dekker also cherished collaborating with Smith. “It was an incredible adventure filled with laughter, tears, and growth. It’s a privilege to navigate this creative process with my best friend and life partner.
