There’s an awesome Afrikaans romantic comedy heading our way this December – and the first teaser trailer has just dropped. Jou Romeo celebrates romance, Shakespeare, friendship, unconditional acceptance, cricket and love. It tells the story of two determined drama enthusiasts from High School Monument in Krugersdorp that will go to any lengths to make their dream production a reality, with unexpected consequences.
The film follows Yvette and Tyler. Friends who have been dreaming of performing Romeo and Juliet in their matric year. However, the principal, Mister Kirby Potgieter, has other plans – by cutting the arts and culture budget he can upgrade the cricket clubhouse and refresh the school’s T20 cricket tournament. In an attempt to ensure that the production still takes place, Yvette and Tyler ask the most popular guy at school, Marko Marais, to play the role of Romeo. But the cool kids aren’t happy when Marko trades in his cricket bat for a pair of stockings…
Nonetheless, Yvette and Taylor succeed and their show is sold out. But Marko finds himself in a tight spot when he realises Yvette is more than just a drama nerd while Yvette starts to see Marko in a different light when she comes to the realization that there’s more than just muscles and a beautiful smile to the so-called jock. However, a lie threatens to estrange them and to ruin the production. While Marko has to prove his worth on the cricket field to realise his dream and maintain his reputation, Yvette wonders if he could actually be her Romeo.
The film has an incredibly talented cast attached to it. Ruan Wessels, who made a name for himself in films such as ‘Hoofmeisie’ and ‘Dis Ek, Anna’ will play the role of popular kid Marko Marais. “According to me the most important message of the movie is to try and always be your best, despite the ‘groups’ in which people find themselves,” the actor tells me. “I think people should see Jou Romeo because it’s really very cute and funny. Audiences will be able to identify with the situations that are created in the film. They’ll really enjoy the journey on which the characters embark.”
Naturally, Marko and Yvette fall for each other despite her being one of the more unpopular girls at school and actress Elani Dekker believes in the strong message the film has for anyone who watches it. “In today’s society it’s so easy to just associate with a certain ‘type’ of person and to classify others as ‘types’,” she says. “The story of Yvette and Marko is testament that preconceived notions can be deceptive and that it can prevent one from personal growth. I think Jou Romeo is a story for young and old. It’s a love story with a few twists and a powerful message. Art enthusiasts and sports fanatics will enjoy this story!”
Jou Romeo screens from 23 December 2016 in movie theatres countrywide and is distributed by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment.
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Jou Romeo is n verkwikkende fliek. Uitstekende akteurs. Eks trots op die kwaliteit van ons Afrikaanse film bedryf!!! Puik gedoen. Rian van Wyk