“Jameson First Shot is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish forever. I had so many highlights during my time in the competition, but I think playing Ping-Pong with Willem Dafoe between takes and attending my own premiere in Johannesburg are definitely up there! The competition has given me incredible exposure and has been a huge boon to my career, so I’ll definitely be able to take on my next project with more confidence. However, it hasn’t just helped me as a filmmaker; it has also been a life-enriching experience. In terms of what’s next for me, I’ve just finished my first feature film and I have the next one in development, so things are busy! I would advise this year’s entrants to write something that they would want to see, not something they think the judges would want to see. Also watch the budget, but having said that, you’d be surprised at how beneficial restrictions can be to your imagination. Above all have fun with it!”
– Hanneke Schutte (South Africa)