Eastern Cape in Hallmark film

A REMAKE of the movie "King Solomon's Mines" starring "Dirty Dancing" star Patrick Swayze, has brought a touch of Hollywood to the small Eastern Cape town of Bedford. Hallmark Entertainment has been shooting the film on local game farms and has brought millions of rands into the impoverished province. In addition, the entire crew was South African and included Xhosa King Sandile's son, Phambili Sandile, who was a trainee film loader on the set. Publicity official David Wilson said the Eastern Cape had been chosen as the setting for the movie because of its wild, beautiful locations. A local businessman said life in the area had been "hectic" since the film company started shooting scenes in the area two weeks ago. He described Swayze as "great". "He is an excellent horseman, he was friendly and accommodating and had time for everyone." (African Eye News Service)