Page 152 - Bulletin 11 2007

149

sitting and talking to me, in front of the only surviving primitive cottage, about the
hardy fishermen who have left their marks deep in the memories of Kalk Bay.

“Then come scenes of the wrecks of fishing boats from the days when the sea claimed

so many lives in its ice-cold grave; and another picture of the women cleaning fish,

showing a first-rate understanding of the art of doing it.

“This attractive film was sent overseas to tell the world of an independent fishing
community where genuine love is still felt among the fisher folk. Sound tracks in

English, Spanish, German and Afrikaans were provided.

“It was shown at the International Film Festival at Cannes in France and at the

Edinburgh Film Festival in Scotland, and this rendition of the lives of the Kalk Bay
fishermen received an award.

“Indeed it was a prestigious honour for the Government Information Department, which
was responsible for this excellent film as well as for the fishermen and their families

who took part in such good spirit.”

Reminiscences

Thinking back and trying to remember all the activity taking place during the making of

the film (I was in my mid-teens) three words come to mind: stress, relief and joy.

Stress:

 My father writing the script and liaising with the film-maker was difficult, but
eventually worked out well.

 Constantly checking the weather conditions – the weather conditions are perfect
but someone vital is missing!

 Trips to the fishing grounds to do the filming. My father had to go, but would

get hit with a double blow of sea sickness and sunburn – both affected him very