Director Meg Rickards’ Powerfully Relevant Thriller, SNAKE at DWFLA

“When lies start to kill, truth is the only serum”

Los Angeles, CA ( June 25, 2024) South African Filmmaker Meg Rickards directs the thriller, SNAKE written by Tracey Farren. The Boondogle films feature has it’s North American Premiere at Dances With Films LA on Friday, June 28th at 7 PM at TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. Tickets are available on the festival’s website HERE.

The film stars Lamiyah Barnard, Neels van Jaarsveld, Keenan Arrison, Tarryn Wyngaard and Rika Sennett.

Based on the novel by celebrated author Tracey Farren, SNAKE is a thriller about land, truth and finding one’s voice. Ten-year-old Stella (Lamiyah Barnard) lives with her family as squatters on a farm. When a luminous stranger called Jerry (Neels van Jaarsveld) arrives, Stella is thrilled that her father stays sober, and that her mother, played by Tarryn Wyngaard, begins to laugh again. But the man with the silver cross has not come to save them. As Jerry slithers his way into their hearts, his own dark wounds begin to show. Stella must shut up and watch him strangle her family or use the truth to fight for their lives.

Trailer

Director Meg Rickards

RabbleRouse News was introduced to SNAKE director Meg Rickards by South African filmmaker Jean Barker (Nobody Leaves ‘Til Jesus Comes) both films have their North American premiere this week at Dances With Films LA. Rickards body of work includes: SNAKE, ATLANTIS, KAALGAT KAREL, 1994: THE BLOODY MIRACLE, LAND OF THIRST and TESS. She holds a PHD in Film Studies and has taught at the University of Cape Town and has run masterclasses across a number of in person forums.

We asked if she might be stream or do online masterclasses:

“I don’t have any online masterclasses but have really been wanting to do some! I must …”

Meg Rickards: “I am so thrilled to be bringing SNAKE to LA, and to have the chance to screen it at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. It’s a universal story about survival and truth, with a child at its centre.  I really think American audiences will identify strongly with the story and with the child’s journey. The 9-year-old Lamiyah Barnard, who plays the lead, is something else!”

“The protagonist Stella was played by a wonderful young actress, Lamiyah Barnard. She was only nine when we shot and had never appeared in a movie before — and she was to carry almost every frame of the film. Given that some of the material was scary and potentially upsetting, I worked really hard together with an amazing acting coach called Tamryn Speirs to find a safe approach. At the core of our ethos is the separation of the story world from the real one, to ensure no confusion or residual trauma for the child. We went through a really intense but fun process with Lamiyah in the three months leading up to filming. Lamiyah was so open and engaged with the story. She also worked so hard to learn to play the penny whistle, and also to swim  — in a matter of weeks. Making a film with a child in the lead was emotionally challenging – but it was so worth it. I loved every moment of working with Lamiyah and the other children who appeared in the film.“

Family Photo, SNAKE Cast & Crew

Cinematographer Bert Haitsma

Cinematographer Bert Haitsma has worked with Meg Rickards on her last three features (ATLANTIS, KAALGAT KAREL and TESS). He also worked with her as the co-director and cinematographer on the project 1994: THE BLOODY MIRACLE, a documentary feature film about the last year of Apartheid, which won the audience award at the Durban International Film Festival and the South African Screenwriters’ Guild Award for Best Documentary Script.Currently based in Ethiopia, Bert has been working as a DOP for many years in both Europe and Africa, filming documentaries (e.g. MRS F), feature films (e.g. NADINE) and drama series (e.g. DE TOON).

In Africa, Bert has been producing and directing TV adverts and other commercial work for companies like Orange and Barclays. Bert’s work has won various awards, most recently the Best Cinematography Award at the Silwerskermfees for TESS. Bert is a member of the Netherlands Society of Cinematography.

Behind the Scenes: Lamiyah Barnard and Director Meg Rickards

In Africa, Bert has been producing and directing TV adverts and other commercial work for companies like Orange and Barclays. Bert’s work has won various awards, most recently the Best Cinematography Award at the Silwerskermfees for TESS. Bert is a member of the Netherlands Society of Cinematography.

“The film is a riveting story on a small canvas, confronting big issues.”  Thinus Ferreira for Variety

Meg Rickards: “Arguably, the politics of the characters’ private lives in SNAKE are a metaphor for our unsolved politics of land. Land inequality is a ticking time bomb, on the forefront of the political landscape. It is not often that poor communities are portrayed in the mainstream media. Seen as either too problematic or simply not interesting enough, they are rendered largely invisible. With SNAKE we put a dispossessed rural community at the centre of a film and show the daily struggles: hard labour, crime, food insecurity – to name a few. Through the power of narrative we have tried to unveil a hidden world and to throw light on inequality. Despite its local subtext, SNAKE is a universal story of hope. Although the child character is initially voiceless, her journey is one of finding her own voice. Stella survives because she believes in herself and identifies her own way of conquering violence: speaking the truth, even when it is life-threatening to do so.”

Stella (Lamiyah Barnard) in her tree.

Lamiyah Barnard from Kraaifontein, Cape Town, is a newcomer to the film industry. She was just nine years old at the time of shooting her first feature, Snake in 2023. In order to take on the immensely challenging role of Stella, who appears in just about every scene, Lamiyah went through a three-month preparation and rehearsal process. Not only did Lamiyah learn to play the penny whistle and to swim, but she also worked through the story in depth, exploring aspects of her character through play and improvisation. Also in 2023, Lamiyah was part of a Telkom campaign. In 2022, Lamiyah represented South Africa for World Children’s Day in Vodafone’s Türkiye commercial, was part of an an e-learning campaign for LobsterInk and also of the Qatar Airways Soccer World Cup campaign.

Tarryn Wyngaard (Nancy)

Tarryn Wyngaard is a SAFTA award-winning actress known for her fearless performances, often involving difficult subject matter. With a BA in theatre and performance from The University of Cape Town in South Africa, she has appeared in TV series such as The Watch (BBC America), Raised by Wolves (HBO Max), Agent (Netflix), and feature films such as Noem My Skollie and Stam

Wyngaard is known for her stage work and was awarded a Fiesta for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, for her portrayal in Liewer (a South African adaptation of Closer, by Patrick Marber). Her portrayal of a young woman striving for freedom in the gothic horror film The Peacock (Amazon Prime) gained recognition in independent film festivals in the US and UK. It earned her a Best Actor Award at The Winter Film Awards in New York in 2023. She can be seen as Christine in the limited TV Series Devil’s Peak, an adaptation of the novel by Deon Meyer.

Behind the Scenes: Keenan Arrison,Tarryn Wyngaard and director Meg Rickards

Keenan Arrison (Frank)

Keenan Arrison born in February 1981, is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, excelling as an actor, producer, and singer. With his boundless creativity and dedication to his craft, Arrison has established himself as a rising star, leaving an indelible mark on both the big and small screens. Arrison’s journey in the world of entertainment began after graduating cum laude with a degree in arts at the Academy of Film & Dramatic Art. Armed with a deep passion for storytelling and a natural flair for performance, he embarked on a remarkable professional career that has spanned over 16 years. Throughout his career, Arrison has demonstrated his versatility and range as an actor, captivating audiences with his captivating performances. His innate talent has led to collaborations with renowned actors and actresses, including the esteemed Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Dolph Lundgren and many other industry stars. These collaborations have not only enriched his own artistic growth but have also contributed to the success of various films and television series. As an artist, Arrison has received critical acclaim for his work, earning nominations and winning prestigious awards for his outstanding performances. His dedication and commitment to his craft have been recognized by the industry, solidifying his position as a talent to watch. In addition to his acting pursuits, Arrison is the proud owner and Director of Stranger Films, a production company that aims to bring innovative and compelling stories to the screen. Through his company, Arrison has had the opportunity to attend numerous film festivals worldwide, showcasing his projects and engaging with fellow filmmakers and enthusiasts. Beyond his work in film and television, Arrison’s passion for music has led him to explore his singing abilities on occasion. This dynamic combination of talents further highlights his artistic versatility and his desire to push creative boundaries.

Neels van Jaarsveld (Jerry)

Neels van Jaarsveld is a multi award winning actor, director, producer, content creator and celebrity best known for his versatility, adaptability, ambition, sense of adventure, humour and courage. He has also been described by critics as one of the best of his generation and well equipped to perform internationally as well as the CEO of the production company meteish.com.

Born in Kuilsrivier, Van Jaarsveld and his family moved to Johannesburg soon after he was born. He attended Aucklandpark primary where he was head boy and wrote his matric at Hoërskool Linden after spending a year at Paul Roos Gymnasium. Neels completed a BA with drama at Stellenbosch University after which he began to act professionally. 

At the end of his 3rd year he started working with the theatre company Vleis, Rys & Aartappels which was founded by Saartjie Botha, Jaco Bouwer & Marthinus Basson and was later given the title of ‘Die Golden Child of South African theatre’ after his stellar uncanny reincarnation of the poet Uys Krige for which he was awarded best newcomer at the KKNK. Interestingly enough the theme of ‘Uys’ stayed with him making a comeback in the revolutionary ‘Altyd Jonker’ playing Krige. 

It was however the Klipdrift ‘Met Ys ja’ advertisement that turned Van Jaarsveld into a household name. 

Van Jaarsveld has been a main credited cast member on many television programmes such as Diepe Waters, Recipes for Love and Murder, Fynskrif, Spreeus, Dwaalster, Madiba, Hotel, Binnelanders, Projek Dina, Waterfront, Fluiters, Bloedbroers, Getroud met Rugby, Vloeksteen, HardCopy and Known Gods, to name a few. He also had a main role in the critically acclaimed ‘The Bang Bang Club’ co starring Ryan Phillippe, Malin Akerman, Taylor  Kitsch and Frank Rautenbach. 

His film credits include Snake, Knysna, Jagveld, Ander Mens, Table Manners, Siklus, Griekwastad, Poppie Nongena, ‘n Man soos my Pa, Die Rebellie van Lafras Verwey, Vir die Voëls, Goodbye Bafana and Triomf. 

With over a hundred stage productions under his belt, some of his theatre credits include Koningin Lear, Melk & Vleis, Die Garage, Op my Eish, Land van Skedels, Lot, Babbel, Mooi Maria, Huistoe, Betesda, Rooikoppitjie, Die Kaptein se Tier, Skroothonde, Verkeer and many more. 

With a reach of over a 100 000+ people on social media he is also a valuable asset regarding brand growth, advertising power, social influence & connectivity. 

Always reinventing himself and striving for the best results Van Jaarsveld is a valuable part to any project.

SNAKE will screen at Dances With Films LA, Friday, June 28th at 7 PM at TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. Tickets are available on the festival’s website HERE.

*Information for this article is from the Press Release. Set Images and information used with permission of Production of SNAKE and it’s director. Thanks!