Actress and Durban Girls’ High alumni Anna Ballantine, 28, has landed a role in a World War 1 movie, ‘The Last Front’, alongside Iain Glen from the series ‘Game of Thrones’, which is set to be released early next year.
Ballantine plays the role of Camille Maes, a young mother who must escape, along with her husband and newborn baby, led by Glen, who is the film’s protagonist, a widowed farmer named Leonard.
The film is set during the first days of the conflict as the German war machine advances.
Ballantine, who matriculated in 2013, worked in a pizza restaurant in Berea in order to save enough money to follow her dreams of becoming an actress.
“In March 2015 I made the move over to London with just a suitcase and enough money in my bank account for two months.”
She put herself through a drama school, managed to secure an agent, and started auditioning for and acting in whatever she could get her hands on before acting in bigger scale productions.
Ballantine said she cried happy tears when she got the part because while she had acted in other feature films, none were on this scale with actors she “really looked up to”.
“This is the biggest feature film I’ve been a part of. I’d never been on a set with such a large crew and such great actors. I remember the first time walking on to set it was a night shoot, and it felt like I had been instantly transported to 1914 because of the incredibly authentic costumes and set design. As an actor, it was truly a gift.”
She said her experience working with the actors in the movie was “amazing”.
Ballantine said Glen, in particular, was one of the kindest, most generous, genuine, down-to-earth actors she had ever worked with.
“Watching him was a masterclass in acting, and I learnt a lot from him, both on and off set. He was so helpful and provided so many gems of wisdom. It was very special getting to work so closely with an actor of his calibre.”
Director Julien Hayet-Kerknawi said Ballantine was a revelation. “Throughout the production, her commitment to understanding her character was evident. She delved deep, frequently reaching out with insightful questions and discussions, showing a remarkable dedication to her craft.
“On set, she was a joy to work with – eager, attentive and meticulous in her approach to blocking and scene work.”
Ballantine said she hopes the film, which will be first released in Belgium in February, will move the audiences.
”I really hope it leaves people feeling moved and that the themes resonate with them, especially now with the current political climate regarding Ukraine and Palestine.”
The actress was in Durban for the last three weeks, spending time with family and reconnecting with friends before leaving for London on Saturday.
She said one of her dreams was to return to South Africa to act in a local production.
“We are a country of stories and storytellers, and I’ve got such love for our people and our diverse cultures. It would be an honour to be involved in telling such stories.”
The Mercury