The Wanderer Short Film

Maria is the daughter of a South African police legend. Her modern beliefs are challenged when she is called to investigate a murder at a rural village where the killer is supposedly non-human.
The Wanderer is an AFDA 4th year graduation project. It was shot on 35mm film, as well as some digital, over a period of 10 days. The concept was derived from our culturally and socially diverse community in South Africa where belief systems play an important role. Also, horror/thriller short films are hard to come by so we thought we would give it a go. We hope you enjoy it :)

[@ntokozozindela8850]

wow this is sooo beautiful. i like the braveness of Maria, she is a hero by taking the spirit back to the city. sacrificing her life for people she doesnt even know...well done Shaun its beuatiful

[@shaunjames8134]

Thanks Ntokozo, appreciate it :)

[@kethketh1674]

Moral: learn to listen to others and respect their beliefs.

[@angelamthiyane9361]

watching this for the first time... wow great job Shaun... next time make it longer please

[@vukonapresence4066]

Nice scary short movie... I like it

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks guys, much appreciated! The film is going to attend the 12th International Student Film and Video Festival held in Beijing from 19 October to 26 October this year. Hold thumbs!

[@NseleKwazi]

Wow... great film I like the creativity,keep it up!!

[@rakgolemasemola7014]

one word for this.....BRILLIANT

[@busisiwedanca4348]

This is a very good piece.

[@SizweMkhize01]

Awesome work here! I must commend

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks :)

[@nontobekogumbi2]

OMG awesome film this is... had me screaming @ the schools computer centre, got everyone wondering what is wrong!!! WOW #STANDINGAVATION

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@nmhlongo823]

Nice One guys!

[@mweneziblue]

I love this.....and love is a strong word.

[@xxxxx7004]

waaau, this is a bomb, so a short film made me hold my breath uffffff. great job both thumbs up

[@LabiBradleyC]

Good stuff man

[@espoir7612]

i loved it. do you have more Shaun James ??

[@FlailSnail]

Hey thanks for the feedback, sorry for such a late reply. You can check out the documentary we did in preparation for this film, although the content has nothing to do with this story. Here is the link. A Living Myth

[@umafungwashetheseries5836]

Hi Shaun can I get contact details of the producer(s)

[@rubennaidoo2480]

enjoyed it

[@zerahtolerance9381]

great job loved I wish I can be an actress keep up the good work love from New York City

[@FlailSnail]

lovespell candy Thanks so much!

[@lamudlamini2010]

nice

[@hopekondo8485]

What was the witch doctor saying. Please interpret for us. Great movie

[@theodorecruz5173]

🎬 THE WANDERER 🎥 strong exciting drama thriller very well done and acted 📣 ♠

[@izzymajestic]

my guy!!!!..... if you dont make a sequel to this or make it longer i'll be very upset with you!!!!.... plz plz plz am begging you, we need more movies like these coming out of Africa that we can use to represend our continent abroad... pure class!!!! am extremely proud of you and looking forward to whats coming next... you make them, we'll spread them

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks man, I appreciate it! A sequel is definitely on the cards, but I am working on some other stuff in the meantime. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks for sharing!!! :)

[@missnatural5494]

British born black kids must watch this. If you know you know

[@IphiaCarlene]

Feel like I was watching an episode from a TV series! The acting was fantastic!

[@busanizindela1995]

Now that's a short film. Most people create incomplete films and then call them short films. Something was a threat to the community, now it's gone. Ayiye! Problem solved itself.

[@FilmmakerSpace]

Well-done dit wat nou vermaak op dy 👌 best

[@glennsenthumule2275]

AFDA please make a movie about this or a follow up series, i will like to know what happened to Maria.

[@FlailSnail]

Hey Guys, check out the documentary we did to gather research into the idea of African beliefs! A Living Myth

[@braamies5339]

Africa has such richness for good horror.

[@mr123456789101123]

I am from senegal and I like your movie..thank you..my eyes are full of joy..may I know which camera have you used please?

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks so much for the feedback Moussa! We used three different cameras throughout the project. Our main camera was a 35mm Arri SR3. We also used the Sony F3 for the scene in the car and the Canon 5D for pick ups :)

[@mr123456789101123]

Thank you indeed Shaun!!! I can't wait for your next project my very best of luck!!

[@alexormulea]

Shawn... that was an amazing story told and a well directed movie with great actors too... I have a script for a short film that you may find interesting. Please tell me how to email it so that you can check it out...

[@exttv2789]

This is cinematic...

[@ponitromogisto4789]

Hi Shaun I see the language used is mostly Venda, but that police Hardbody in the end is tagged Hartbeespoort (which also got me thinking the mountain range could be the Magalies)...see I grew up (in Ga-Rankuwa to be specific) and work (in Harties) in and around the area. The community on the side of the world speaks mostly Setswana...but there's also a number of settlements in and around the area. Is the a specific community of Venda speaking people in the area, or are all the actors outside people? If there is, where? #just-interested#

[@FlailSnail]

Hey Ponitro, thanks for your interest in the film. Our intention was to keep the film non-specific, regarding culture, location, and beliefs. So yes there is a lot of Venda being spoken by the 'locals' but essentially the story could be set anywhere, at any point in time. Our actual location was Hartebeeshoek which is where the police car was form as you mentioned, but the concept and setting itself is open to the imagination. Oh and the actors were all form outside the area. I hope this answers your question :)

[@ponitromogisto4789]

yes it does thanx Shaun... Awesome movie once again...

[@ikelenafly]

Great film. I loved the way you paced the action and story, got my attention from begining to end. Good job bro

[@FlailSnail]

Glad you liked it!

[@disaman17]

really this is hollywood standard......i'm happy africa is developing film-wise....keep it up

[@wbegradio9227]

Hey Shaun, incredible job. Listen let's talk. I have an online tv network. Would love to air this to our audience. May we discuss? Serious Inquiry.

[@enossitholimela5395]

Thanks God for another great SA great movie. I feel proud as a Venda.....Good one Shaun

[@traviscrossfilms4254]

Hi there Shaun, I happened to stumble across your film and really happy that I did and was thoroughly fixated throughout it. I'm currently a Durban based fourth year film student in the pre production stages of making my own short film. Is there any advice on how you went about getting access to police uniforms and your method of location scouting? Would mean a lot if you could share your wisdom :)

[@FlailSnail]

Hi Travis. Sorry for not getting back to you, I somehow missed your comment and stumbled upon it now. The police uniforms were in fact costumes from a costume hire store. The vehicle however was pure luck. We were on a location scout there and the police arrived to see what we were doing. We asked if they could come back when we were making the film so we could use their vehicle. They said yes :) Location scouting was also a bit of luck. We just drove around, all over the place. When we finally came across our location we found out that the land was in fact owned by a farmer who lived across the road. We spoke to him and he agreed. Most of the time these things just happen if you keep at it! I hope your film is going well. Cheers

[@Nollywoodboulevard]

Wow, this short has a movie feel, I guess its the 35mm. We just had to feature it on our website.

[@thabanincube1272]

police are trained to call an ambulance in situations like that ,but in this case they did not lol

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks for noticing. We did imply that there was an ambulance when the paramedic rolled the dead cop away on a bed, however we did not have enough budget to hire one and actually show it...

[@thabanincube1272]

Shaun James kikiiiii James mmhhh ok

[@thabangprudie1249]

film yavhudi vhukuma

[@nomonde7624]

my word.. this movie was beyond amazing, haven't screamed this much in while.

[@FlailSnail]

Haha thanks Nomonde, I am glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@Amapianolove]

Cool movie but at times I couldn't make out what the Sangoma was saying in tshivenda; nonetheless 👏👏

[@pontshothulare9293]

ths film got me scared to hell

[@mtcremake5862]

nice movie ill rate it 90% out of 100%

[@ponitromogisto4789]

Excellent movie by the way...

[@sunsun6485]

This is really good Shaun. From the onset you got the tone right which insured that all the dense themes you explored in the film had integrity and depth. The mixture of superb acting along side a well grafted nostalgic, uncanny and mystical visual atmosphere was just gripping and effortlessly arresting. Your characters had an unexplainable resonance, a rare immediate familiarity that made me (probably others too) instantaneously invested and intrigued. I did however feel that some really good imagery was abruptly cut (I suspect time consideration was partly to blame) and at one time or two the music was not necessary in rhythm with the visual story. Also, at one or two parts in the film attempts to capture mystery or ambiguity ended up becoming loose ended and narratively inconsistent (or too deep that I missed the point, lol) . It's surprising that this film is only 24mins long because it is just so rich in issues and story and certainly refreshing in concept, scenery, themes and cast. Well done! This is truly artistic, provoking, complex and afrocultural and modern. Keep us posted on your projects!@shaunjames

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it. Yes there were several time constraints, both narrative as well as final delivery date, so we did what we could. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@siyabongasydwellshabangu7860]

nice one bt they was a potential to expand it

[@mondethabi5154]

Wish i could watch more, this is too cool Shaun. Make this a series and this would rate number. Good job!

[@TSHEPOMANAKS]

Beautiful!!!

[@busaphidladla6544]

Oh my Ghosh! Possession, nice movie I wish it can continue

[@nontobekok]

Very nice. Very well acted! its jst too perfect for words. I loved it. Great job to the team.

[@gugulethushonhiwa6236]

great film...short and nice

[@shaunjames8134]

Thanks!

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback :)

[@FlailSnail]

Autlwetse Ditsebe Thanks for the feedback! I intend to continue making films but I am giving this story and it's potential sequel a break for the meantime :)

[@sahebshaik783]

Good work Shaun.. well written and perfectly executed...

[@pauli_phonic]

Brilliant stuff, keep them coming man 👏 👑

[@jackochan]

This is pretty good. I like it Shaun. Subscribed.

[@Ntoxybabe]

The sangoma is my fave Character...KUDOS mate :)

[@FlailSnail]

I must agree, she gave an excellent performance. Thanks for the feedback :)

[@janinerichardson2038]

Frfffff re e

[@keshundavis5979]

@@FlailSnail Belly Movie | Short film upload

[@roccaboy1]

great film bro... u should consider working on true life dramas

[@winztee6265]

love love love this short film. short n sweet. great work Shaun. will be searching for more of your work

[@Safiah56]

nice short film!! loved it =)

[@ninareklaw]

nice..it was shot beautifully…thanks for posting.

[@thuanyomodibedi5899]

loved it but what happens to the spirits now?

[@FlailSnail]

That is up to you to decide! But there is potential for a sequel if we get the chance to do one :)

[@elishamac8841]

the police woman got a size 24 unirfom

[@kutlomaliba9486]

Good work...wish there was a part 2 or something....

[@shaunjames8134]

Thanks! No part 2 as of yet, the idea was to leave it open ended :)

[@sqrd3536]

Fantastic work KIU!

[@kholofelokhomotso8330]

huuu...thats scary

[@mzansistreets8027]

Riveting. Made me sit on edge. Great movie

[@LuckyHall777]

The movie was perfect. The open ending is great. Nice job!

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks! Glad you liked it :)

[@ayobamibanji]

👏👏👏

[@mduduzipetrosmahlangu6695]

Man this is exceptional.

[@No103Stories]

Excellent

[@mercynostanage1952]

Mmmmm it's hard

[@oluwaseunidowu6117]

Good job!

[@mphomudau4172]

Stil watching in 2022

[@zakhelemkhabela3066]

LIMPOPO!!!

[@leonmafukashe3357]

you nailed it

[@Ntoxybabe]

Wait suspense....Is it with her now? Or did she kill it.....oh my gosh...whyyy???

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks :) Well it's really up to you to decide! haha

[@Ntoxybabe]

LOL, I like to be kept guessing. I'm waiting for a prt 2 or something...to let my mind rest. LOL.

[@siyangaphi]

Gripping short.

[@BambananiMhlomi]

Beautiful

[@darylw8078]

Great Film.

[@pheellotsolo5864]

Great job on this one.

[@jamljr3129]

Live by Knife Lose a Life Short Film!

[@NanaB3594]

This is so scary

[@richard9536318]

great film, well enjoyed

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks for the feedback :)

[@vincentdekoker7570]

Dope

[@luckykele499]

Well done Shaun!!!

[@Dreadybear.Ichode]

Wow, bravo! This film is so enthralling...I wanted it to keep going. Great work.

[@nomaxabisosolilo2163]

joooh what a nice movie really did enjoy it...well done sir :-)

[@FlailSnail]

Thank very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@cebamagubane6584]

if you do enjoy it then i also enjoy it

[@tiondo87]

beautiful stuff

[@SpookySoulGeek]

epic film

[@kholofelokhomotso8330]

huuu...thats scary

[@FaimusFilms]

Brilliant work, Shaun! Everything was just superb: from the performances, to the sound design, to the cinematography...WOW! Can't wait to see more from you!

[@FlailSnail]

I am glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback :)

[@masivuyenkungwana7108]

guys plz do another short story this was awesome

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks, appreciate it. We are working on it :)

[@liethlizer1190]

mnh mnh

[@abdiidd]

Why did they make this film short oooohh its nice

[@garyjames4769]

excellent

[@damianmaabo]

cool work there, but sound dint accompany the action to make it properly felt... nice job tho

[@hildaleeuw4467]

2019 August 💐

[@Dsyborg]

I Love it....great from beginning to end..cheers.

[@TheDreamer129]

what does the lady with the dreadlocks say after maria gets arrested, please someone tell me i am dying to know. By the way I LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDD the movie it was short and sweet. Are you still planningon doing the sequel

[@FlailSnail]

Thanks for the feedback, really glad you enjoyed it :) At the end of the film the lady says "Now go!" I hate to admit that I only realised the subtitle was missing after I uploaded the film. We had several exports for festivals so I got them mixed up O.o Will hopefully do a sequel, or something similar within a year, just working on other things at the moment :)