CALLING IN FROM CANADA, Sue Northam spoke to Neill Blomkamp - a name you might not recognise quite yet, but that will resonate with you very soon. A fellow South African, Blomkamp moved to Vancouver with his family at the age of 18. With an innate interest in visual effects and an early desire to direct movies, Blomkamp was well placed to study at the Vancouver Film School. By 21 he had been recognised as of one of the brightest talents in the industry - nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding visual effects.

Why you might know Neill Blomkamp

If I asked you whether you know of an ice-skating car advert, a Citroen to be exact, you will most likely smile with understanding... perhaps even start humming the catchy techno theme tune of ‘Love don’t let me go’! At 25, Blomkamp was recognised for this with an Outstanding VFX in a commercial.

Why you should definitely know Neill Blomkamp

He is the writer and director behind the big sci fi movie set in Johannesburg which is soon to hit the screens. District 9, with Peter Jackson in the producer seat, has been anticipated and cited to be many things. With its viral banter highlighting the issue of segregation of non-humans, you get the feel of wider issues at play. Across the city of Vancouver, there are buses and bus stops labeled ‘non-humans allowed’, creating a rather chilling comparison to SA’s not so distant Apartheid past. “It is quite surreal seeing the campaign in Vancouver,” says Blomkamp! 
“Although the movie doesn’t hit you over the head with moral issues, it is more of a thrill ride!”

D9 was based on a short film Blomkamp shot a few years back called Alive in Joburg. “I have always been besotted with the city,” he enthuses when speaking about Johannesburg. “I wanted to see science fiction and the imagery of Soweto and Joburg blended with Western cinema.”

How did he get the Lord of the Rings guy on board?

Blomkamp was asked to direct Halo - the movie adaptation of the very popular video game. He was working on this in New Zealand for the second half of 2006, together with Peter Jackson and WETA Workshop who created the King Kong effects. When that project collapsed halfway, they looked around for another project to pick up - and Blomkamp’s Alive in Joburg was developed into a full feature!

At only 29 years old, this is Blomkamp’s debut film Р landing in SA and the US in August, and the UK in September. What happens next only time will tell, but what Blomkamp hopes this will also do is show young filmmakers that it is ok to pull stories from your own backyard! “I hope it makes South Africans aware that they don’t have to do the candy-coated American style. Innovate, don’t emulate,” confirms Blomkamp!