REMEMBER SABC Soul Buddyz’ Hamilton? Yep! Shaughn Reneke from West Turffontein. He’s one of the 15 MAQamovie finalists selected from 50 extremely talented amateur actors.
Celebrity judges Shona Ferguson, Sdumo Mtshali, Nomzamo Mbatha and Darrell Roodt facilitated the MAQamovie semi-finals at Bassline Johannesburg.
The semi-finalists were chosen from thousands of individuals who auditioned for a chance to be cast in one of five roles in a new South African movie by Phoenix Films. Directed by film industry stalwart Darrell Roodt, the film will showcase the talent of these five unknowns.
Shaughn is a scriptwriter and a dedicated community member. He trained children at Turffontein Primary.
“This might be one of my big breaks, especially for the children that I train and my mother Molly. My project, Shonistos Youth Talent Search, will benefit a lot if I can win this role. I’ve auditioning in different places for eight years now. This is my career, I’m using my God-given talent,” he explained.
Jacqueline Jacobs, Sales and Marketing Director of MAQ Washing powder, said: “The response to MAQamovie has been phenomenal, overwhelming in fact! The judges were blown away by the talent. Every person brought their best to the stage and demonstrated their skill. MAQamovie is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a foot in the door of the film industry, and the finalists have really put their best foot forward!”
Shaughn is the youngest of four siblings, he began his stage career in grade 1 when he played a ‘thirsty boy’. This led to a variety of roles in Sunday school plays like Alice in Wonderland, Humpty Dumpty and Robin Hood.
He has spent three and a half years at the Children’s Theatre, learnt to sing, dance, and mime and how to be a professional clown.
“People have often mistaken me for Alfred Ntombela. I’m not him! In our project in Turffontein we need stationery, toys and anything that children can use to get motivated,” he pleaded.
