AKENOSI finds his Polena
We love the democratic casting process of the North West crew’s latest creative venture, Akenosi starring Presley Chweneyagae in the lead role as AK. The film production process also started off with a launch party at Roka two weeks ago, setting an upbeat tone for the crew, we look forward to sharing the film’s journey with you:
The movie is based on the 1994 civil riots in Mafikeng and follows the life of a 30-year-old heroic young man called Akenosi who suffers the consequences of being involved in the Bophuthatswana riots. AK (Akenosi) is going into production in July, and we are proud to announce that it will feature our home brewed stars such as our Oscar winning North West born Presley Chweneyagae, Boikie Pholo, Zenzo Nqcobe and one of our internationally recognized lyrical genius HHP, amongst others.
The Akenosi auditions held at the Mmabana, Mmabatho Drama Studio this past weekend were a huge success. Like HHP, KB, Presley Chweneyagae, Zenzo Ngqobe, Tuks etc – there is always a new star coming out of the North West!
Over a 100 hopeful young women between the ages of 23-27 from all over the North West turned up to participate in the auditions for the character Polena – who would act alongside Presley Chweneyagae (AKENOSI). The auditions took two days.
The producers of AKENOSI were on their way to determine who this lucky young lady would be.The session started off with screen tests where the ladies introduced themselves, then the stages became more intense when 26 of the young ladies where chosen from the lot.. then eventually only 9 where given the script to show off their raw talent.
The producers watched with such awe as one by one, many a lady, displayed such innovative and varied acting abilities. This is despite the fact that almost all of these young ladies do not have any formal training in acting.
In the end it was a tie between two ladies – a lot of deliberations went on among Presley Chweneyagae (Lead), Rabotho Rakgajane (Director/ Co-producer) and Joan Legalamitlwa (Co-producer). Lerato Motswiri and Lebogang Matsosi where the top two. Lerato, a young woman from Lehurutshe was raised by a group of women in the small village of Lobatleng. This young promising actress kept it together under the raving talent of Presley.
The producers are now proud to introduce this talent to you. Please see attached photos of Lerato Motswiri – our Polena in the movie AKENOSI.
