Carissa (film)
| Carissa | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jason Jacobs Delmar Devon |
| Written by | Jason Jacobs Delmar Devon |
| Starring | Gretchen Ramsden |
| Cinematography | Gray Kotzé |
| Edited by | Devon Delmar |
| Music by | Frazer Barry Devon Delmar Mikhaila Alyssa Smith |
Release date |
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| Country | South Africa |
Carissa is a 2024 South African coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Jason Jacobs and Delmar Devon, in their feature film debut. It premiered at the 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival.
Plot
Cast
- Gretchen Ramsden as Carissa
- Herchell Cloete as Herchell
- Woudine Dirkse as Woudine
- Collin Fredericks as Collin
- Kaylin Fredericks as Ashley
- Wilhelmiena Hesselman as Wilhelmien
- Deidré Jantjies as Deidré
- Hendrik Kriel as Hendrik
- Elton Landrew as Solly
- Maria Tamboer as Maria
Production
The film was shot in Wupperthal, a town in the Cederberg region.[1] The cast consists mainly of local non-professional actors whose roles are largely based on themselves.[2]
A work-in-progress cut of the film was presented at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in the Final Cut in Venice (FVC) sidebar, where the project received three cash awards,[1] including the Venice Final Cut prize for best film in post-production.[3]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in the Orizzonti sidebar.[4] It had its American premiere at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival.[5]
Reception
Variety's film critic Guy Lodge praised the film, describing it as "simultaneously still and transporting" and writing: "if there’s a lot of muzzy magic-hour beauty in Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar’s debut feature, it’s no hollow travelogue: Closely scrutinizing its young, antsy title character before gradually expanding its gaze, “Carissa” is rich with feeling for the callused hands and hearts of an overlooked but industrious countryside population".[6]
Paul Emmanuel Enicola from The Movie Buff wrote: "Carissa stands out as a film with something real to say. Jacobs and Delmar deliver a thoughtful, visually striking meditation on identity and change, carried by a strong central performance and a deep sense of place".[7]
References
- ^ a b Asemota, Etinosa (19 September 2023). "'A privilege': Local filmmakers of captivating Carissa reflect on success at Final Cut in Venice". News24. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Ntsababa, Unam (17 October 2024). "The cinematic brilliance of Carissa". IQOQO. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Tabbara, Mona (19 August 2024). "South African Venice Horizons title 'Carissa' picked up for sales". Screen International. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Fulton, Claire (6 September 2024). "Devon Delmar & Jason Jacobs on Carissa". Loud And Clear Reviews. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (17 January 2025). "Santa Barbara Film Festival Sets Full 2025 Program, Will Partner With Direct Relief To Raise Funds For L.A. Wildfires". Deadline. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Lodge, Guy (23 December 2024). "'Carissa' Review: A South African Youth Portrait That Knows the Value of Stillness". Variety. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Enicola, Paul Emmanuel (9 February 2025). "'Carissa' SBIFF 2025 Review". The Movie Buff. Retrieved 13 March 2025.