University Of The Free State Alumna Gets Recognised With International Recognition
Renowned actress Antoinette Louw, an alumna of the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, was recently announced ‘Best Actress’ at the European International Film Festival. She achieved this award for her role as Rachel in the film The Fragile King. Louw is known – among many other characters – for portraying Sara in the 2019 film Die Storie van Racheltjie de Beer (The story of Racheltjie de Beer) and as Inge van Schalkwyk, owner of the boutique in the soap opera 7de Laan.
Louw, one of seven nominees, says receiving this news six days before Christmas (in 2022) from the film’s producer, Cati Weinek, came as a huge surprise – especially since she was unaware that the film was being shown at the festival.
Although Louw feels ecstatic and humbled after receiving the prize, she says art and judgment thereof remains subjective. “Unlike sports, the arts don’t have winners or losers. Being awarded doesn’t make me better than any of the others (nominees), because the decision is based on the judges’ subjective opinions.”
Telling South African stories
Louw, who has several awards under her belt, did extensive research to portray Rachel, a character struggling with addiction. “The biggest challenge with any role is to honour the story and to remain truthful and in the moment.” The Fragile King – which was filmed over six weeks in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg, and North West – is about “lost dreams and people, broken relationships, and loss that reunites people against their will. Although I haven’t seen the film yet, the story is universal.”
She says that when comparing local talent to their international counterparts, South Africa has the same talent. “Financially, however, there is no comparison, as money buys time for better quality productions.” Yet, she realises that the grass is not necessarily greener abroad. “I love my country. I am privileged to work here and to be part of our unique stories. Sure, actors get better paid (there) and receive more status, but that’s not what life is about.”
A proud UFS alumna
Replying to why she thinks several former drama students of the UFS are excelling in the arts, she says it is because “we are Free Staters. Our feet are firmly on the ground, and we work hard”. Louw, who received her acting degree cum laude in 1996, was awarded several accolades during her student years. Looking back on her student years, she will never forget the ‘legendary’ year-end parties in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts. “En verder bly ek tjoepstil!” (Other than that, I won’t say a thing) she laughs.