RIP Jans Rautenbach

[Trevor]

My friend and my mentor - both in life and in my career - passed on yesterday at the age of 80.  



Jans (left) and Koos Roets ACS on the set of Abraham (2015)


This was the man who challenged the apartheid laws in South Africa during the 1960s and 1970s through the medium of cinema with ground breaking films such as Die Kandidaat [The Candidate]: South Africa's first political thriller, Katrina: a direct indictment of the stupid apartheid laws (although disguised as a love story) and the eerie Jannie Totsiens [Johnny Farewell]: South Africa's first horror film.

He challenged convention, broke barriers and managed to stick two fingers up at the oppressive laws of the day in such a way that the people who designed these laws ended up applauding the films, instead of banning them.

Rest in peace Oom [Uncle] Jans: I love you, sleep well.  

[Rev. Powell]

Sorry for your loss Trevor.  I wanted to see some of his movies thanks to your description, but they're not available here in the U.S.  R.I.P.

[Newt]

How wonderful to have known someone who made such a mark in your life and in the world.  The pain of loss is often the price we pay for such good fortune.  Hugs, Trev.   

[316zombie]

my deepest sympathy trev. i think i may know how you feel.

[Trevor]

Sorry for your loss Trevor.  I wanted to see some of his movies thanks to your description, but they're not available here in the U.S.  R.I.P.

Thanks, Rev.

In the new year, I think I should send you a region free copy of Katrina so you can see how a nearly 50 year old film can still rivet an audience to their seats.

[Trevor]

How wonderful to have known someone who made such a mark in your life and in the world.  The pain of loss is often the price we pay for such good fortune.  Hugs, Trev.   

Hugs back, Sister Newt.

Oom Jans was one of the few people who saw potential in me and encouraged me: I sometimes wonder if he ever forgave me for screwing up a screening of Jannie Totsiens in 1998 - to a paying audience! 

That hiccup apart, he was a good person and his final film Abraham was an emotional, true masterpiece which I was privileged to watch with him in July 2015, that was also the last time I saw him. The last thing he did for me? He bought me lunch. 

[BoyScoutKevin]

The loss of a mentor is always a big lost, Trevor. So, what may I suggest is find someone you can mentor, as you yourself were mentored. And my condolences on your lost.

[Trevor]

The loss of a mentor is always a big lost, Trevor. So, what may I suggest is find someone you can mentor, as you yourself were mentored. And my condolences on your lost.

Thanks very much.   I am mentoring four colleagues at my work (or trying to).

I just received an email from his son: that was the hardest reply I have ever had to type.