Durban — A Durban actress has landed a prominent role in a European feature film set in World War 1.
Born and raised in Manor Gardens, Anna Ballantine, 28, can’t wait for the premiere of The Last Front, the Julien Hayet-Kerknawi-directed film due for an international release in 2024.
Iain Glen of the Game of Thrones prominence is the protagonist (Leonard).
“I am so excited. It’ll be my first proper red carpet premiere, something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid. To get to share the experience with such an incredible cast and crew will make it even more special.”
Ballantine plays Camille, a young mother living a quiet life in a Belgian village with her farmhand husband Henri and their new-born baby, until German soldiers disturb their peace.
Leonard, a normally placid local farmer, fronts the villagers’ courageous resistance against the invaders.
Their bid to flee from the Germans plunge them into the midst of a war they don’t understand, and navigating through dangerous forests and desperate circumstances.
“Playing Camille was an honour and a challenge that I embraced wholeheartedly.”
Ballantine said she always looks for an ‘in’ and similarities to herself with every character she plays.
“With Camille, it was her empathy and tenacity,” said Ballantine, who has been London-based for eight years.
The lead role in You Eat Other Animals, a short film, alongside Harry Potter actress Evanna Lynch, and featuring prominently in Academy Award-winning director Chris Overton’s short film, Leader, were some of her previous stand-out silverscreen performances.
“The Last Front is the biggest scale feature film I’ve ever been a part of, and I learned so much from Iain (Glen) and Julien (Hayet-Kerknawi).”
The movie depicted a painful time in history which Ballantine and the cast had to immerse themselves in, and “some scenes and days felt very heavy and emotional”.
To deliver an authentic performance in a story set on the backdrop of WWI, she researched and travelled to the ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’ in Ypres, Belgium, beforehand, which “shook me to my core”.
She’s hoping movie-goers would also leave feeling moved by the power of the human spirit.
“I hope the film ignites conversations too – about the cost of war and how much stronger we are when we come together, something that is very relevant currently.” On landing the role of Camille, Ballantine recalled the audition.
“The script moved me deeply and it felt like a very special project from the beginning. After I'd sent in my first audition tape, I was told the director loved my interpretation of Camille and wanted to see me in another scene.
“After a couple rounds of auditions, my agent called to tell me the good news.”
She cried tears of joy after landing the role and immediately informed her parents.
Ballantine was optimistic The Last Front, which has already received buzz from leading movie publications, could be a stepping stone to other exciting projects in the future.
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Another of her other aspirations was to be involved in telling a South African story.
“I’m so proud of the film and TV that has come out of our country in recent years. It would mean the world to me to shoot something alongside fellow South Africans.”
Ballantine, a former Manor Gardens Primary and Durban Girls’ High pupil, is presently in the country.
After matriculating, she worked for a year in a pizza restaurant on Davenport Road to save money and move to London.
“Looking back, I think it was ‘young courage’ and a level of naivety that gave me the confidence to pursue my big dream. I am happy it paid off.”
Her father Christopher, a University of KwaZulu-Natal professor said when Anna scored a full house of distinctions in matric (including 100 percent for art), everyone thought she’d follow the conventional route to university.
“But she’s always had a fiercely independent mind. Even though the risk was enormous, she pursued her acting passion.”
“Initially things were difficult and we were worried, of course. But Anna's determination was colossal. She made it work. That took real courage.”
Hayet-Kerknawi said: “Anna Ballantine is a revelation. From the moment I saw her casting tape, I was captivated.
“What sets Anna apart is her supportive nature, especially critical in the world of independent filmmaking. Her unwavering presence and readiness to contribute beyond her role have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. Anna is not just a talented actress; she's a vital part of our film's soul."
Sunday Tribune