SA on show in Hollywood movie

THE beauty of the Hluhluwe region in northern KwaZulu Natal has reached the hearts and minds of many American movie goers following the US release of the film 'I dreamed of Africa' earlier this month. The film, which is based on the true life story of Italian emigrant to Kenya, Kuki Gallman, was shot at the Protea Zulu Nyala Game Lodge set against the backdrop of the Ubombo Mountains. The owner of the lodge and the Protea Zulu Nyala Heritage Hotel, Trevor Shaw, says the filming of a Hollywood movie in the region will put Hluhluwe on the world map. "We all know what movies like Crocodile Dundee did for Australia or Out of Africa did for Kenya. We hope this movie will have a similar spin-off for us." Shaw says the film crew spent about three months on the property between August and November last year and occupied all 53 rooms and 10 luxury safari tents at the Heritage Hotel. "They also built sets on the property which are identical replicas of Gallman's houses on her farm in Kenya." Shaw added that recent reports in the British press that American actress Kim Bassinger - who plays the role of Gallman in the film - had a terrible time filming in South Africa are devoid of all truth. "She (Bassinger) and her husband Alec Baldwin, were nothing but polite, friendly, gracious and very accommodating. I don't believe any reports that claim she did not enjoy her stay and experience here." Protea Hotels' group sales and marketing director, Alan Duke says the movie will offer the opportunity to market South Africa on a broad base overseas, and that the group will participate in promotion awareness for Hluhluwe as part of the movie's South African premiere in August. He also noted that Protea has a dedicated sales department that services the production industry, be it movies, commercials, full-length features or fashion shoots. "We accommodate the industry and provide extra services such as off-side catering, laundry services, courier services etc." Duke added that South Africa remained an attractive destination for international movie-makers for many reasons including the current exchange rate, the scenery and locations, professional local crews and world-class post production facilities. (Miguel de Sousa)