Latest Posts

Jarrid Geduld Spills The Beans On His Career-Defining New Role

‘Indemnity’, South Africa’s big action flick makes its cinematic debut next week. In South African writer-director Travis Taute’s debut feature, we meet Theo Abrahams (Jarrid Geduld), an ex-fireman suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who, unable to return to work, turns to alcohol. Becoming increasingly frustrated and volatile, Theo’s world is rocked when his journalist wife Angela (Nicole Fortuin) is murdered – and he is the prime suspect. He soon finds himself on the run from the police for a murder he is positive he didn’t commit. But was he framed? Or did one of his violent nightmares cause him to do something he didn’t mean to do? As he is hunted by Deputy Chief Alan Shard (Andre Jacobs) and Detective Rene Williamson (Gail Mabalane), connections are revealed between his past, the origin of his PTSD, the murder of his wife, and a government conspiracy with chilling implications.

Ahead of the film’s premiere, we chat to lead actor Jarrid Geduld on this exciting new role and how he did all of his stunts himself.

Tell us a little bit about your character?

I play the role of Theo Abrahams, a firefighter who has been put on leave pending a psychological evaluation. Theo suffers from PTSD after witnessing colleagues dying in a fire, and refuses to seek the professional help he needs .

How did you prepare for such a demanding role?

Preparing for this role starts with physical training consisting of cardio and endurance. Then, getting onto a diet plan and then working with various individuals from different Martial arts backgrounds in order to familiarize myself with the different art forms to a point of comfortability. I also worked with the film’s fight choreography and incorporating all the skills learnt during the training period.

You did your own stunts in the film. Why was this so important to you?

Doing my own stunts really had to do with the fact that I knew I was capable of achieving the physical demands of the character and I really wanted to offer this ability or talent to the production to help further amplify the film while simultaneously giving the audience and camera the opportunity to see everything as it happens. I had extensive training for 3 months to prepare me for the role as well, which helped.

What was the most challenging stunt to perform and why?

All had their fair share of obstacles, but the most challenging one would be getting out of the 21 story hotel window and dropping to the 20th floor.

The reaction to the film globally has been exceptional. Why do you think people should go and watch the film?

The reason the film has gained the attention internationally is because it really is a first of its kind for the SOUTH AFRICAN FILM INDUSTRY. ‘Indemnity’ is South Africa’s first action film. The action genre is an expensive one and what this film achieved with the budget it had really is something to make any action film or audience see the work and creative ethic SA has to offer if given the big studio budgets. People should see it because what Gambit Films has done was take work tirelessly for eight years to get people to believe in this project and, by people going to see it, we will say we support the relentless group of people who stood steadfast behind the idea and believe that they were going to make this film no matter what. And so we support that resilience in achieving that dream. And once again – Indemnity is South Africa’s first action film. Let’s get more made!

What else can fans expect from you in the months to come?

Right now I am focused on filmmaking and laying the foundation for my next chapter as a film maker. And of course, acting will always be there.

‘Indemnity’ releases in cinemas on 13 May. Watch the trailer below and read more movie news here.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Posts

Don't Miss