Since she can remember, Amalia Uys has always wanted to be an actress.
The Tamboerskloof resident fulfilled her childhood dream when she was cast in the role of San-Mari van Graan in popular South African soap opera 7de Laan.
She also starred in Binnelanders and from tomorrow, Friday September 30, she can be seen on the big screen in a movie called Sy Klink Soos Lente when it opens countrywide.
“My first big role was when I got the part in 7de Laan,” she said. “I played the role of Ruth in Harrold Pinter’s The Homecoming, in a stage production. It is a very difficult role to portray but I think I cracked it.
“It’s always very rewarding when you realise that a character has become a part of you and that you can bring life and truth to it.”
In Sy Klink Soos Lente, Amalia plays Linda, who is the romantic interest and female lead in the movie.
Amalia, who is currently in Johannesburg promoting the film, told the Atlantic Sun that she always wanted to be an actress.
“My brother and I always used to put up shows for my parents and in school I started taking drama lessons and competing in eistedfodds.”
When asked about the movie, Amalia said: “It’s funny, sexy and has some cool life lessons in as well. The characters are relatable and real. Ben, a mechanic, meets his boss’s daughter in a bar.
“They click and in order not to disappoint her, he tells her that he is in a band. Now Ben needs to make the lie a reality so as not to mess things up with Linda. But what if the lie comes out? It’s been an amazing journey.”
Amalia said she feels the local film industry has grown a lot over the past few years.
“We have the talent and we have the resources. South Africa has such an amazing array of cultures and backstories – it’s high time we start making ourselves count on international platforms.”
Her advice to young people looking to get involved in the industry was to build relationships.
“Work hard, get connected with other people in the industry, study drama or film and get an agent to represent you.
“Be prepared to get involved. It’s a small industry and the more you do and the more people you meet, the better chance you have of being noticed.”