Deon Meyer’s latest book adaptation 'Invisible' premieres at Silwerskerm Festival

4 min read
The show follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux, as they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld.
The show follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux, as they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld.Picture: Supplied

There are three things that a Deon Meyer adaptation will guarantee you, and that is khaki, guns and impressive acting talent. 

That has proven to again be the case with the latest adaptation of Meyer’s bestselling novel “Blood Safari”. 

Titled “Invisible” for its screen debut, audiences will tonight get a sneak peek of the anticipated action conspiracy thriller series on Wednesday evening, at the kykNET Silwerskerm Festival in Camps Bay.

Ahead of its official world premiere on 1 October and its broadcast premiere on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) on 14 October, attendees got to watch a screening of the show’s first episode.

“Invisible” stars Australian actress Abbie Cornish ("Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri") and Scottish actor Dougray Scott ("The Crow Girl), alongside South African talent Tim Theron ("Trackers"), Tumisho Masha ("Silverton Siege"), Frank Rautenbach ("Bang Bang Club"), Kim Engelbrecht ("Reyka"), Chi Mhende ("Queen Sono") and Siv Ngesi ("The Woman King").

Produced by the team responsible for “Trackers” and “Heart of the Hunter”, “Invisible” follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux. As they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld, police investigator Colonel Jack Phatudi closes in on a network of corruption reaching the highest corridors of power. 

The series draws on real events, including the mysterious 1986 plane crash that claimed the life of former Mozambican President Samora Machel. The series is directed by Jozua Malherbe and written by William Schneider and Deon Meyer, with additional writing by Amy Jephta.

Producer and star, Tim Theron, said that as is the case with all Deon’s books, “Blood Safari” is one of South Africa's most beloved thrillers. 

“Translating that world to screen, while stepping into Dekker’s (Martin Lemmer in the book) boots myself, has been the privilege of a lifetime. KykNET and the Silwerskerm Festival have also been such a big and special part of my journey as an actor and producer, so to have the first episode screen at the festival, is extremely special,” Theron said.

The show follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux, as they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld. It is directed by Jozua Malherbe and written by William Schneider and Deon Meyer, with additional writing by Amy Jephta.
The show follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux, as they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld. It is directed by Jozua Malherbe and written by William Schneider and Deon Meyer, with additional writing by Amy Jephta. Picture: Supplied
The show follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux, as they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld. It is directed by Jozua Malherbe and written by William Schneider and Deon Meyer, with additional writing by Amy Jephta.
The show follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux, as they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld. It is directed by Jozua Malherbe and written by William Schneider and Deon Meyer, with additional writing by Amy Jephta.Picture: Supplied

Producer at Scene23, Cobus van den Berg, said: “With the success of Trackers and Heart of the Hunter proving the global appetite for South African stories, and more specifically the Deon Meyer brand, ‘Invisible’ is the perfect next chapter. 

“It's the ideal opportunity to showcase our beloved South Africa, our talent, and our storytelling on an international stage, and Silwerskerm is where that journey begins.”

Author and Executive Producer on “Invisible”, Meyer, said that watching “Blood Safari” transform into “Invisible” has been an extraordinary experience. 

“The team have taken the heart of the story, the danger, the family, the secrets buried in the Lowveld, and given it a life of its own on screen. I cannot wait for audiences to discover it, starting right here at Silwerskerm.”

Programme director at kykNET Silwerskerm Festival and Creative Executive Producer on “Invisible”, Tina Kruger, said: “It’s such an honour to showcase ‘Invisible’ at the fourteenth kykNET Silwerskerm Festival. 

“Since the festival has grown to include TV and streamer content, our intent has been to curate the cream of the crop. Having walked such a close path with the series, my sights were set on securing the exclusive sneak peek pilot episode for opening night early on. 

“When the stars aligned, it really signalled a celebration of local excellence, with global appeal.”

'Invisible' follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux. As they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld, police investigator Colonel Jack Phatudi closes in on a network of corruption reaching the highest corridors of power.
'Invisible' follows the story of bodyguard Martin Dekker and London-based expat Emma Le Roux. As they uncover a decades-buried conspiracy in the South African Lowveld, police investigator Colonel Jack Phatudi closes in on a network of corruption reaching the highest corridors of power.Picture: Supplied

Director of Premium Channels at Multichoice, a Canal+ company, Waldimar Pelser, said: “M-Net is delighted to be the launch broadcaster of another Deon Meyer series. ‘Invisible’ bears all the hallmarks of a blockbuster hit, blending international talent with the best South Africa has to offer, in cinematic settings that will feel at once familiar and intriguing. This is a nail-biter we have no doubt our viewers will love.”

Executive Producers & Financiers, Piet Mouton & Johan Holtzhausen, added: “The kykNET Silwerskerm Festival is an amazing showcase for the talent of our South African actors and the broader film and television industry, and we couldn't be happier that ‘Invisible’ will be screening at the festival. We, as executive producers, are proud to be associated with this Deon Meyer project.”

“Invisible” is produced by Scene23, in association with M-Net, ITV Studios and Berkeley Media Group, and is distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

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