Film maker Derick Muller stirs up excitement with his new creation, WESENS
In the vibrant world of South African arts and literature, Derick Muller stands out as a versatile talent. A writer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, Muller has made a name for himself with his unique approach to storytelling and his commitment to the local film industry.
Muller's writing career began at a young age, with his first written work, "Die Spook van Union Dale," penned when he was just nine years old. This early love for storytelling blossomed into a successful career, culminating in his debut youth novel, Vuil Skottelgoed, which won the Afrikaans category of Human & Rousseau's 'Ek is 'n Skrywer' competition in 2007.
Fast forward to 2016, and Muller, along with his wife Karin, founded the South African art and literature journal, "Ambassadeur." The following year, he completed his master's degree in business administration (MBA) at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business. In 2018, he extended his MBA studies with a six-month international exchange at Yale University's School of Management in Connecticut.
But it was in 2017 that Muller truly made waves with the release of his groundbreaking film, "Wesens." Set in South Africa in 1967, the film follows four South African Republican Intelligence Agents investigating an unidentified object on a farm in the Karoo. The extraordinary "Wesens" is a first of its kind Afrikaans found-footage Sci-Fi film, shot on a farm on the Ouberg pass, more than an hour outside of Montagu, where there is no electricity, no cell phone reception, no water, nothing.
The film's unique style was a deliberate choice by Muller. He selected the found footage technique to reveal the spiritual quest of the protagonist through a "real-life" lens. Despite suffering from motion sickness, Muller filmed "Wesens" on tripods and gimbals to maintain the authenticity of the footage.
Muller's approach to filmmaking is not limited to the creative aspect. He is also a firm believer in understanding the local and international markets to ensure profitability. This business-savvy mindset is evident in his role as the founder and head of The Suits Communications, an advertising agency in Cape Town.
For aspiring screenwriters, Muller offers tips such as learning how to edit a film, writing with a budget in mind, and not following the rules. He emphasises the importance of lean production methods, seeing the future of the South African film industry as bright with this focus.
Despite his many accomplishments, Muller remains humble about his influences. No specific information is available regarding which filmmakers influenced his creative work on "Wesens." However, it is clear that Muller's passion for storytelling and his unique vision have set him apart in the world of South African arts and literature.
In "Wesens," Muller has cracked the code of the universe, creating a film that is both captivating and thought-provoking. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new territories in his work, there is no doubt that we can expect great things from this talented South African artist.
