Brackenfell actor Justin Malgas stars in international film festival

Justin Malgas, 22, from Brackenfell will be part of an 11-member cast that will display their talents at the 67th Zinebi Film Festival in Spain from November 21 to 28.

He is featured in the film The Meeting, which is both written and directed by filmmaker Nic Matthee, with a release date set for Monday, October 30, on the Red Moon YouTube channel.

Mr Malgas initially made his debut in a minor role that highlighted youth in their dynamic essence for GBV awareness in 2021. During this period, one of the co-founders of the Touched By Style community arts caste himself in the short film series Bitter as a sword-wielding henchman, with a fight scene filmed at the Castle of Good Hope. 

He subsequently took on smaller roles and later featured in the graphic, violent anti-hero crime action series Uncle Billy on DSTV 263 last year.

The Meeting film narrates the story of Sebbie De Kock, who experiences a mental imagination that triggers a convincing reality, leading him to believe in his wife's infidelity and that his sister and friends are conspiring against him. 

This culminates in Sebbie calling a meeting with deadly and brutal consequences, signed in blood during a courtroom-like confrontation.

Mr Malgas ultimately rescues his friend from the difficult situation that he finds himself in.

"Filming took place during the winter, which effectively set the tone. The film showcases elements of human isolation, mental challenges, and emphasizes the importance of developing strong willpower, communication, and transparency regarding issues that may harm human capacity," said Matthee.

The film includes some graphic scenes that intensify its impact, complemented by engaging storytelling. With a runtime of 19 minutes, the film features a soundtrack that provides musical accompaniment during some of the darker moments, as it seeks to illustrate the consequences of stress and depression, as well as the dangers associated with their effects.

Mr Malgas said, “Being a part of such an incredibly hard-working team that motivated me to portray the character to the best of my ability, with the guidance of Nic Matthee, and the rest of the cast, was very awesome people to work with. To learn from each of them brought unique qualities.”