Director Derick Muller stirs up a commotion with WESENS project
In the vibrant world of South African cinema, Derick Muller has made a name for himself as a visionary filmmaker, writer, and entrepreneur. With a passion for art and a drive to create something meaningful, Muller has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Muller's journey began at a young age, with his first book, Die Spook van Union Dale, penned when he was just nine years old. This early love for storytelling led him to pursue a career in writing and filmmaking.
In 2016, Muller, along with his wife Karin, founded the South African art and literature journal, Ambassadeur. This venture showcased their commitment to nurturing and promoting local talent.
However, it was with his latest project, the groundbreaking film "Wesens", that Muller truly made waves. Set in South Africa in 1967, the film follows four South African Republican Intelligence Agents investigating an unidentified object that landed on a farm in the Karoo. The film is a unique blend of Afrikaans found-footage and Sci-Fi, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.
Muller wrote and directed "Wesens", using the found-footage technique to reveal the spiritual quest of the protagonist through the "real-life" lens of South Africa in the 1960s. The film was shot on a farm on the Ouberg pass, more than an hour outside of Montagu, and was filmed using tripods and gimbals due to Muller's motion sickness.
Muller's approach to filmmaking is unique, as he often brings a business-oriented mindset to the creative process. After returning from an MBA international exchange at Yale University's School of Management in 2018, he applied the knowledge he gained to his filmmaking, keeping production lean and managing expenses carefully.
Muller's advice for new screenwriters is to write with an exact budget in mind. This pragmatic approach has served him well, as evidenced by the success of "Wesens".
Muller's father instilled in him the belief that he could achieve anything if he set his mind to it and was willing to work hard. This philosophy has undoubtedly played a significant role in Muller's journey, from his early days of writing to his current status as a trailblazer in the South African film industry.
In 2017, Muller completed his master's degree in business administration (MBA) at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business. This achievement, coupled with his passion for art and his business acumen, makes Derick Muller a force to be reckoned with in the world of South African cinema.
