Short Summary
Hello Everyone,
My name is Deon van Zyl and I am an Independent South African Filmmaker.
I want to tell you about one of those epic stories that few people ever get to hear ...
Every year thousands of guests come from all over the world to travel to some of the most exotic destinations in Africa aboard the most luxurious train in the world, but few know the story of the life of the man behind Rovos Rail ...
In "My Life on the Tracks", Rohan Vos tells his remarkable story for the first time in full and in vivid detail, sharing some intimate moments never told before and how he overcame some monumental challenges on the journey to success !!!
No wonder retired Lt Col Daniel Steyn, himself a recipient of the Honorus Crux medal for gallantry, in his review wrote " a remarkable story ... I just cant help wondering whether I would have had the guts ..."
This is a true testament to the sheer determination of one man's journey into the unknown !!!!
Oh yes, ........., the amazing thing about Rohan's epic tale behind the journey to success is probably the fact that he had no previous experience in the train business whatsoever and .......... no, he actually never intended starting a train business ... so, how then did everything start ....
Here is a opportunity for you to etch your name into a timeless documentary and be part of South African history !!!
So how much is needed ?
When I started making this film I viewed it as an opportunity to make a documentary that tells a great story and may have received an award at a film festival ...... and that was it.
But I soon realised that it is much more than just another story ... it is about being privileged to tell the story of a man that has committed his whole life to fulfil his dream ..... and I have a duty to Rohan and to his family to do it properly and yes, his story is worth far more than my own selfish ambitions ....
I need your help to extend the run time to 23 minutes by including some additional scenes that would make this documentary a timeless classic !!!
We need your help to raise $25 000.
If I reach the target of raising $25 000 we tell this story to the world !
The money raised would be spent on the following:
1. To send a crew to film some remote locations that form an integral part of the evolution of Rohan's Story and unfortunately, there is no archived footage available on some of these locations - they are just that remote ! The only way to reach these destinations are by road, which is going to be tedious.
2. Adding additional scenes including interviews with passengers, coverage of remote scenes to authenticate the story
3. There is content lacking in certain areas, some calling for low light complex shoots which will require the hiring of specialised equipment and crew.
4. Pay for the costs and guarantees associated with the PERKS.
STRETCH TARGET is $30 000 ...
$30 000 is needed to finish the extended film AND explore additional distribution channels including sending the documenmtary to film festival circuits and marketing to broadcasters and more ...
What you get: This is the part we love !!!
I realise that money is hard to come by and we really appreciate every contribution we receive.
So to say thank you and show you just how much I appreciate your contribution, I have sought far and wide for perks that would measure up to my level of appreciation ... and here are just some of them ....
A limited and numbered art piece, bearing the original signature of the father of our nation, the great man himself, Nelson Mandela !
Truly stunning original film posters signed by myself and a limited number signed by Rohan Vos himself ! Yes, we are determined to make you part of his legacy !
An opportunity for a limited number of contributors to etch their names into south African history by being credited as Associate Producers of this timeless film !!!
There are much more ....
What happens if the target is not reached ?
Some of the funds raised will be employed to market the unclaimed perks to corporates etc. outside of the scope of this campaign.
Furthermore, I owe it to you as funders of the film to go out and look for sponsors who would be willing to donate some of their gear and time for the hours that will subsequently not be covered by funding.
Should I still not reach the funding required, I release the film as it is now.
The Impact
Never before has a documentary been made on the life of the man behind Rohan Vos.
There have been short features and extracts pertaining to some parts of his career but never before has a single documentary documented his life from the time he was born to highlighting significant plot points that influenced his life in a way that got him interested in trains and the eventual journey to success as well as some intimate confessions from his family along the way that share some moments that can be treasured forever ...
This is story that should be told and would most definitely be a sought after piece of the history in many years to come and one that guests of Rovos Rail would be able to take home with them to remind them of the remarkable story behind the man that started Rovos Rail ....
Other Ways You Can Help
Please go out and tell your friends and family about this story and encourage them to make a much needed contribution .... !!!
Thank you.
Deon
