Local business features in documentary

Many have fond memories of the retailer, which is situated on Prince’s Avenue, where, for decades, they have purchased linen, crockery, pots and almost any other home item.

Now, we have an opportunity to see the ups and downs that the owner, Clive Stillerman (60), had to overcome to keep the business running.

In 2014, Stillerman’s son, Ben, decided to capture the store’s rich history in a feature documentary.

On June 18, friends, family and employees of the business finally saw the finished product.

There was a special screening of the film on the rooftop of the store itself.

The main character in the documentary, titled Taking Stock, which is directed and produced by Ben, is Clive.

In the film, Ben explores his father’s complicated relationships with relatives, employees, customers and friends over the years.

This documentary formed part of Ben’s thesis, but it was also to serve as a tribute to his father’s business.

When interviewed by the City Times in 2014, Ben said although he doesn’t understand the true impact the shop has had on his father’s life, he knows it has shaped his own life.

“The family business has been a constant element through my entire life, and it continues to have an impact on the way I view the world,” said Ben in 2014.

“Almost all the opportunities in my life have come through the business and, as such, there is a sense of tribute to it.”

Ben was studying a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in film and television production at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Ben documented a complete month in the business, where he witnessed issues that come from running the business in a small town.

“Through the film, we realised that there were issues that we needed to talk about, like the family history, guilt and unresolved emotions,” said Ben.

“At the end of the film I learnt how to communicate with my father; we are now more open with each other.”

Early this year, in June the documentary was first showcased at the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

“The response we got from both these shows was really amazing; all four screening were sold out,” he said.

“I plan to take the film to a few festivals and other parts of the world like America and Europe.

“We will also try to sell the documentary to the SABC, DSTV and overseas.

He added that the documentary will soon be screened in Daveyton, where most of Clive’s customers live.

Clive said he was sceptical at first about the documentary.

“But, as we were shooting, I began to love it, it was fun and hurtful at the same time,” said Clive.

“The crew was charming; there was conflict a few times with the staff and Ben.”

Clive said the whole experience has taught him humility.

The documentary is currently not available for downloads as they pursue wider distribution, but will eventually be available online.

For more details on the documentary, like the Facebook page at facebook.com/takingstockmovie or subscribe to the website www.takingstockfilm.com.

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