Interview: cast members from An Act of Defiance share their experience
The SAFTA-nominated film tells the story of Bram Fischer: a renowned lawyer, sympathetic to the nation’s resistance movement during apartheid, who risks his freedom and career as he takes on defending a group of 10 political activists, including Nelson Mandela. The activists face a possible death sentence for conspiracy to commit sabotage after they are arrested during a raid at Lilliesleaf farm in Rivonia during the summer of 1963.
Initially code-named “Rivonia” during production, An Act of Defiance, now streaming on Showmax, ended up winning eight international awards, including Best Actress at the Cape Town & Winelands International Film Festival for Antoinette Louw’s stellar portrayal of Bram Fischer’s wife Molly.
“To be in the same room where such an important part of our history took place. All of us felt it. It was completely inspiring!”
We caught up with three cast members – Antoinette Louw (as Molly Fischer), John-Henry Opperman (as Denis Goldberg) and Hannes Brummer (as Bob Hepple) – and talked about their experiences on set of this major international release, the significance of the historical impact of the Rivonia Trial as well as why it is important for each and every South African to watch this film.
The Mandela trial scenes were filmed in the actual courtroom at the Palace of Justice in Pretoria where Nelson Mandela was sentenced. How did this inspire you for your role?
Antoinette: Oh, I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. To be in that room, to see the stairs where the accused walked in from their holding cells. To be in the same room where such an important part of our history took place. All of us felt it. It was completely inspiring!
John-Henry: We filmed the trial scenes. sitting in the same spot for days on end, and yet it was impossible not to be awe-struck in that space. You know that as an actor you have to believe that it’s just a bench you are sitting on because the story has not yet been told for your character, but as fans of how the story unfolded, it was a constant challenge not to get caught up in the immenseness of each moment.
Hannes: It was unbelievable. Those of us portraying the Rivonia trialists also entered the courtroom from the holding cells where the real men were kept, meaning that you stand there waiting in that space together. I think it served to bind us together and get a sense of that camaraderie. Being in that space seconds before “action” was called gave me goosebumps.
Sello Motloung as Nelson Mandela entering the courtroom with a defiant “Amandla!” was amazing. While I know it doesn’t compare to the tribulations these men actually went through, you can’t help but feel incredible pride that you are a part of telling their story.
Did you sometimes feel like you might lose yourself in the gravity of this project? The historical significance is a pretty big deal.
“The responsibility of doing the subject matter justice laid heavily on the cast and crew.”
Antoinette: Definitely. I did a lot of research and spent time with Bram’s daughter, Ruth. I fell in love with people who were involved in this part of our history. I wanted to honour them with my whole being.
John-Henry: Every day! The responsibility of doing the subject matter justice laid heavily on the cast and crew. You try not to let it mess with your head too much, but in my case, I knew that the person I portrayed – Denis Goldberg – would probably see the film and you want it to be a homage to them because of what they went through.
Hannes: I felt obligated to revisit the details around it and read up on the events. One is grateful for having a better understanding of the time and events because you were drawn to try and find out – I probably wouldn’t have, had I not been cast in the movie. And not just for the sake of “character research”, but because I wanted to.
Pretend that you’re your own proud parent – if you had to pick the absolute best scene and tell friends “That’s my child! I am overcome with pride!”, which scene would it be?
“It’s a deeply moving scene where Molly explains why they won’t leave the country, even if there are dangerous consequences in staying.”
Antoinette: Mmm … it would be where Molly Fischer and Hilda Bernstein have a conversation in Molly’s garden after the trial. It’s a deeply moving scene where Molly explains why they won’t leave the country, even if there are dangerous consequences in staying.
John-Henry: I love the opening scene of the film! The chaos during the police raid and how the characters reveal so much of who they are in those moments.
Hannes: I had this scene where I was being interrogated by two pretty vicious police officers, played by Morne Visser and Willie Esterhuizen. I was really petrified of them, so the emotion was pretty raw and real.
Which part of this production was the most challenging for you?
Antoinette: I had to swim in an ice-cold swimming pool. I nearly caught hypothermia. Also, it was excruciatingly hot during the long courtroom scenes.
John-Henry: The spectacles that were chosen for my character were probably made for someone with horrible eyesight but it just looked right. Mr Goldberg’s glasses were quite a prominent feature, looking back at those mugshots. Let’s just say I’m glad that they’re now on a bookshelf in my house and not on the bridge of my nose!
Hannes: The make-up and wardrobe teams were superb (SAFTA nominations for both departments should serve as proof), but I had the worst of it in a logistical way, especially on the days all the trialists were present, as it was all period specific and time consuming.
As fate would have it, my character was always last in line for the makeup chair and as Bob Hepple had freckles, it was quite a process to get them (literally) painted on my face. The quality of it was great, but it always took ages, meaning that I was always chewed out for being last on set. Oh, and let me tell you: courtroom benches are not made for comfort!
Hannes Brummer and background artist Yaki Nuade
Would you say that this movie would fall into your top 10 of all time projects? Why, or why not?
Antoinette: Definitely! It became a very personal journey for me. I related so much with the Fischers and it’s heartbreaking to me that so many people don’t know their story.
John-Henry: Top five, easy! The social significance of being able to tell stories like these is humbling and a massive privilege. As a white Afrikaans guy, I want to celebrate individuals like these. We need to tell stories like these. We have amazing individuals like Denis Goldberg, Bram Fischer and Beyers Naudé who had beautiful and progressive vision. They need to be celebrated.
Hannes: Yes, absolutely! Working with [Dutch director] Jean [van de Velde] and a stellar South African (and international) cast and crew on what I consider to be a very important story, was not only inspiring, but most enjoyable.
How do you think this movie could benefit South Africans?
“The Rivonia trial is arguably one of the most important events in our country’s history and the mere fact that Mr Mandela and his allies weren’t given the death sentence ultimately paved the way for our democracy.”
Antoinette: So much of our history has been kept from us, and this will hopefully show a part of history that people weren’t aware of. Bram Fischer was branded as a traitor within some communities, but the real man – the family man, the humanist and proud Afrikaner, was never talked about. The gift of the movie is breaking down judgements and preconceived ideas to create understanding and compassion.
John-Henry: This movie is a beautiful snapshot of true-life events by ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Every South African should watch this to be reminded of how resilient and courageous we are as a diverse nation. I am very proud of playing a small part in this epic story.
Hannes: The Rivonia trial is arguably one of the most important events in our country’s history and the mere fact that Mr Mandela and his allies weren’t given the death sentence ultimately paved the way for our democracy. Bram Fischer’s role was pivotal, and despite being treated horribly by the apartheid government in later years, his story remains one of hope and determination. It shows the importance of faith and conviction above fear and threats.