What inspired the story behind your short film “Straatrotte”?
The initial spark came from wondering how street kids with absolutely nothing could plan a heist. That idea kept evolving, and I knew I wanted to create a light-hearted film that blended my filmmaking background with my animation skills. It was the perfect opportunity to merge those worlds.
Can you discuss any unique challenges you faced during production?
The biggest challenge was filming a 22-minute movie in just three days, especially with kids and an animal. We had to make some tough decisions to get all the necessary shots. For example, the final one-camera shot where the kids sneak around and dodge the mayor in his house was originally envisioned differently. Due to time constraints, we decided to film the entire sequence in a single camera shot to capture everything we needed. It ended up being the best decision, as it built suspense with the continuous camera movement.
How did you approach character development within the limited runtime of a short film?
Character development in short films is always tricky. It comes down to many script drafts and getting feedback from reliable writers and filmmakers. Focusing on the core of each character and their interactions helps make the most of the limited runtime.
What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from your film?
I hope the audience has a fun and engaging watch. It’s a light-hearted story meant to entertain and bring a smile to their faces.
How do you see your short film fitting into your broader body of work or future projects?
I see this as a stepping stone and a signature style I want to develop. I don’t think I’ve seen a South African film that successfully blends live action and animation, at least not to my knowledge. This is a concept I want to carry through to many other projects. The idea of how such a fusion would play out if the protagonists were adults fascinates me.
What’s the most unexpected or funny thing that happened on set?
KOFU, the bird, took about an hour before he decided to come out of his cage. It was quite a wait, but it ended up being a funny moment for the cast and crew.
If you could cast any actor, living or dead, in your next project, who would it be and why?
It would be Robin Williams. His incredible range from heartfelt drama to uproarious comedy, along with his boundless energy and improvisational genius, would bring a unique depth and vibrancy to the film.
Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival so important?
Festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival are important because they provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition. These festivals foster a sense of community and collaboration, allowing artists to network, share ideas, and inspire each other.
“Straatrotte,” directed by Gasan Sallies, is a fun and engaging short film that highlights his unique blend of live action and animation. Catch it at the FAME Shorts Film Festival and enjoy a creative cinematic experience.
