Local to make acting debut in SA film

Local model, photographer and interior designer Jacqui Fernandez is lately also wearing the actress hat.

Jacqui started her career as a model for TV and magazine advertising campaigns and has featured on billboards on many occasions.

Her latest performance in front of a camera is as an actress in the South African film, Blouwyn, which will be available online from June 26.

The Advertiser caught up with her to learn more about her experience on the movie set.

Q: What went through your mind when you heard that you landed the role?

A: I was so excited to be a cast member in the movie. It is my first movie, so you can imagine how surprised I was when I got the part.

Q: How would you describe the character you are playing in the movie?

A: I play the role of Blouwyn in the movie, which is not really a big part, but it is a very important to the storyline. The movie is about the essence of love and what it means to different people. It is a beautiful movie, which has a mixture of love, laughter and heartache. Blouwyn is about a woman who experiences deep love for a man, but her love is forbidden because she is married.

Q: How did you prepare for your role?

A: As I don’t talk in the movie and I appear as memories of moments shared with my love, it was easy for me as all I had to do was act in love and have fun.

Q: What was your first day on set like?

A: My first day on set was extremely exciting. I loved watching how professional film productions were filmed.

Q: What was your most memorable experience?

A: My most memorable part of the movie is difficult to pinpoint, as the whole experience was amazing. I flew to Cape Town. Then we shot scenes in Philadelphia and Yzerfontein, the most scenic and beautiful parts of our country.

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Q: What the most challenging part of the movie?

A: There were a few challenges with the weather and we had to shoot a few scenes and then return home as the rain set in. We returned a few months later and managed to get everything done.

Q: How did you get along with the other cast members?

A: I got on well with the people on set as everyone was excited to be there and worked hard to make this movie a success. I met the most amazing people who inspired me. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet the whole cast as I only had to be on set a few days before they wrapped the movie.

Q: Who do you think was the most interesting person on set?

A: The most interesting person I met was Michelle Mountain, née Bruce. She won Miss SA many years ago. We both had a heartfelt moment one evening as we had both just lost our dads and we comforted each other and had a good cry and a good laugh.

Q: Do you feel a little bit like a celebrity now?

A: I can?t say I feel like a celebrity. I have been fortunate to have done a few modeling jobs throughout the years and have done jobs for some amazing brands. However, my family would never allow me to think that I’m a celebrity, they would tease me too much. My son, Kyle, is very proud and loves to see my face on a magazine though.

Q: You are also a photographer, interior designer and a mother. How did you manage to juggle everything?

A: I am OCD, so I manage to get things done as I can’t ever sit still. I love being busy and I have a very supportive husband and mom who are always willing to help me.

Q: The Covid-19 pandemic affected everybody. How were you affected?

A: During lockdown, I had a little bit of a nervous attack when I realised I couldn’t see my family and my mom. However, my sister moved in with us and we managed to have fun, eat lots of fudge and got through it.

Q: What was the biggest lesson you learnt during lockdown?

A: Nothing can be taken for granted and to let go and let God take control.

Q: Could you give us five interesting facts about yourself?

A: I come from a very loving family and can’t live without them. I am a granny at 44. I am a stepmother. I am scared of birds and I am petrified of flying.

Q: What would you like to accomplish in the future?

A: I would love to learn how to play golf and have a better handicap than my son-in-law.

For more information about the film visit https://web.facebook.com/Blouwynrolprent/

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