Arnold Swart does it again “Nêrens, Noord-Kaap” - Part 2
Grade 6 learner at Gansbaai Primary School when he took part in the filming of Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, a family drama series on kykNET, about three years ago. (Gans-Berg News, 6 August 2021: “Laerskool Gansbaai's Film Star - Arnold Swart”).
“I saw the advertisement for a role in the series, met the requirements, sent in my application and forgot about it,” Arnold told Gans-Berg News at the time. “Two months later I was invited to an audition and was accepted for the roll.” Arnold's father, Francois Swart, owner of Oom Piet Accommodation & Tourist Lodge, was extremely proud. Arnold's mother, Riaana Swart, sadly passed away in 2018. In the meantime, Arnold attended Hermanus High School but switched to homeschooling a year ago and is currently completing his Grade 10 year.
Nêrens, Noord-Kaap is a two-part series, produced by Nagvlug Films, set on the farm Nêrens in the Northern Cape. The storyline: The mother of three brothers who grew up there dies at a young age. The brothers drift apart and do not see each other for years. They return to the farm for their father's 60th birthday, with Lourens - played by Arnold - as the son of one of the brothers. At that point Lourens (Arnold) is going through a difficult time, even struggling with suicidal thoughts. The brothers search for the brotherhood they once had, but a tragic story unfolds. In the second season of Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, aired three years after the first, Arnold's role shifts to that of a teenager attending high school. There he makes new friends and “grows” as a character. His relationship with his father also strengthens, although problems and hidden secrets remain. More cannot yet be revealed.
Arnold says that playing the characters in both parts gave him a new perspective on the world of film. “In the first part, it was a wow and a proud feeling to be part of such a big production. But I didn't truly grasp the privilege and responsibility of working alongside well-known names in the industry,” Arnold explains. “In Part 2 of the series, that realisation really sank in.” Arnold Swart (16) was only 12 years old and a He refers to the absolute privilege and responsibility placed upon him as a young actor, mentioning names like Frank Opperman, Albert Pretorius, Daneel van der Walt and Geon Nel (also a former Gansbaai learner), as well as the acclaimed writer and director of the series, Nico Scheepers. “I also experienced much more of the pressure in the second part, acting alongside seasoned professionals,” he said. “Then there's the realisation of how much work is done by so many people behind the scenes - it's definitely not child's play.” He adds that it is precisely the behind-the-scenes crew who make the magic of a series come to life - set designers, makeup artists, sound, camera operators, writers, directors, and many others.
So here we have a former Gansbaai Primary learner as a young, up-and-coming actor! And what about his future plans? “I really enjoy acting and would love to continue with it, but at the same time I also love writing,” Arnold told Gans-Berg News. He says he has always wanted to become a writer, but he will definitely continue in the film industry - whether as an actor or as a writer. To realise this dream, he plans to study drama at university after school. The editorial team of Gans-Berg News wishes Arnold all the best with his future plans - we are very proud of this former Gansie.
Hardus Botha
