The locally-produced movie The Meeting will premiere on 30 October on the Red Moon Production’s YouTube channel and Tubi TV. This psychological thriller, crafted by filmmaker Nic Matthee, who wrote and directed it, will be showcased at the 67th Zinebe Documentary and Short-film Festival in Spain from 21 to 28 November 2025, catering for amateur, emerging and professional filmmakers globally.
The cast was recently interviewed on DStv’s channel 263 on the talk show EKSê, in which they expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming release, which will highlight their hard work in representing the Cape Flats positively on the international stage.
“As an actress from Ravensmead I feel the Cape Flats is often depicted as fractured,” said actress Nicole Barkhuizen. “However, when creative minds collaborate effectively we can alter that stereotype through our God-given talents and provide our youth with a positive perspective on rare opportunities transformed into possibilities.”
Matthee developed the film concept in April, after which it was introduced at a free acting class that subsequently evolved into a film production, and filming took place from 28 June to 6 September. Most of the filming took place in winter, contributing to the dark atmosphere of the production.
Challenges
“There were numerous challenges, ranging from experiencing prosthetic film make-up to using a prop gun,” actor Cameron Rass related, “as well as the taste of fake stage blood and performing various scenes. Most of the training occurred on the day of filming, making it both exhilarating and exhausting, but it was an invaluable experience. I may be the shortest member of the cast, but I strive to make a significant impact with my performance. I hope to channel the same energy into my community to create a larger impact.”
The film tells the story of Sebbie de Kock, who suffers from peculiar blackouts that escalate into episodes of hallucinations. He begins to suspect his sister’s betrayal and his wife’s infidelity as well as his friends conspiring against him. This culminates in Sebbie calling a meeting that leads to deadly repercussions in a courtroom-like confrontation, where the murders he commits are the outcome of his imagination.
Real-life experiences
“I believe the film contains relatable elements drawn from real-life experiences,” actress Glemorene Jacobs pointed out. “We all encounter difficult periods and, if not properly managed, these can have a significant impact on one’s mental health. The film raises considerable awareness, and I am pleased to have been part of this journey, hoping it will empower women, mothers and fathers to realise their strength to overcome challenges.”
Matthee has gained international acclaim in Turkey, Arizona, USA, and Berlin, Germany for both his film and non-profit performing-arts community work and is renowned for his action films. However, shifting his focus to a psychological theme may represent a new direction. The filmmaker is also preparing to write and direct a film entitled Die Swart Kat, which serves as a reboot or remake of a 1986 South African superhero television series of the same name. He hoped The Meeting, with all its components, would showcase the creative impact and talent the Cape Flats had to offer on a global scale.
