Ballade for local actor
BLAIRGOWRIE – Jacques Bessenger acts in upcoming film.
Local actor Jacques Bessenger (35) will play a lead role in the upcoming film Ballade vir ‘n Enkeling.
The Afrikaans romance-detective story is based on a popular TV series from the ’80s, and it will be screened in Ster-Kinekor theatres from 20 March. Other lead actors include Donnalee Roberts, Rolanda Marais and Armand Aucamp.
The plot entails a journalist [Roberts] who reveals the truth behind the disappearance of a popular writer [Aucamp].
Bessenger’s character, Jan-Paul Otto, is the popular writer’s best friend.
The Blairgowrie resident explains that “something happens” between him, the writer and another long-time friend that causes the writer to disappear.
“I like that he [Bessenger’s character] is complicated,” Bessenger explains.
“It is fun but challenging. There is a lot to work with.”
Bessenger explains that his character is an architect who is “haunted by his past”.
Although Bessenger’s character is successful in his career, this “impacts his life and the choices he makes”.
“So he battles to maintain emotional stability [in] relationships with people,” Bessenger says.
“When a character has emotional baggage, which we all do, it is easy to transpose your own stuff onto the character.”
Bessenger has appeared on the TV series 7de Laan, Generations, Erfsondes, Isidingo, Binnelanders and Donkerland.
He also acted in the films Bakgat! tot die mag 3, Verraaiers, and Wolwedans in die Skemer.
Quentin Krog is the director of Ballade vir ‘n Enkeling while Danie Bester of The Film Factory is the producer.
