Acting dream becomes Melita’s reality

Local high school learner takes on her first big film role.

Hoërskool Goudrif’s Melita Steyn (18) has a bright future ahead of her in the acting industry.

She is young, beautiful, full of life and has the acting world at her feet.

Melita Steyn (18), a matric learner at Hoërskool Goudrif and a Witfield, Boksburg resident, is starting to make her dreams of becoming an accomplished actress come true.

This comes after she landed the role of Loeloe in the soon-to-be-released movie Vaselinetjie.

Vaselinetjie is due to be released in cinemas on September 22, with the redcarpet premiere taking place on September 14.

“I am excited and nervous about walking the red carpet,” Melita said.

“I am taking three of my friends with me so I am sure the event will be great fun.”

Vaselinetjie tells the story of Helena “Vaselinetjie” Bosman, a white girl raised by her loving brown grandparents in a remote rural village in the Northern Cape.

However, upon learning that Vaselinetjie is not their biological grandchild, welfare officials intervene and decide to send Vaselinetjie to a state orphanage in the faraway city of Johannesburg.

Life in Johannesburg does not resemble her prior existence, in fact it is in vivid contrast to it.

For the first time, Vaselinetjie is confronted with the harsh realities of life as well as, unloved children.

She smokes cigarette butts and battles to make friends and fit in.

In a world where no one cares about anyone else, she too learns not to give a damn.

It is only when she falls in love with the rebellious orphan boy, Texan Kirby, that she’s forced to confront the truth of her complicated past.

Melita’s character, Loeloe, is one of Vaselinetjie’s best friends.

“She is a quiet person, comforting and a mother figure,” said Melita.

“Loeloe has been hit hard by life but she copes.”

Melita said playing the part has taught her so much about life and about herself.

“I loved playing the role.

“It was my first big part, as previously (in Grade Six) I had only been an extra in Hoof Meisie,” she said.

Melita credits getting the part to her favourite drama teacher at school, Lineska Burger.

“She heard that there were auditions for the movie and encouraged the class to go.

“After class she called me aside and said she knew this is what I really wanted to do and that I should audition.

“So after much debate I decided to do it and had to go through three auditions.

“Thankfully, she helped me with all three,” said Melita.

Melita hopes that after the film’s release there will be lots of roles coming her way.

She is also hoping her role will help her find a casting agent as she will use the role as a reference.

“Acting is something I have always wanted to do.

“It has always been Plan A.

“I love everything about it, for example, learning lines to me is just the best thing and the craft of acting is beautiful to me,” she said.

Melita added that she will do a course in hair and make-up, just in case she needs a back-up.