Jamie Uys, c. 1990. (Photo source: Mimosa Films)
The internationally acclaimed South African film producer and director, Jamie Uys, passed away on 29 January 1996 at the age of 74. Jamie’s films, notably The gods must be crazy (1980) and its sequel, The gods must be crazy II (1989), are still highly popular among diverse audiences all over the globe. Both films introduced the San people of the Kalahari and their unique lifestyle to the rest of the world.
Despite Jamie’s fame, he remained a modest person who was much loved among friends and colleagues. He also holds a special place in the hearts of many Bloemfonteiners. His connection with Bloemfontein dates back to the early 1960s when Bloemfontein-based brothers Boet and Bill Troskie teamed up with Jamie and comedian Al Debbo to establish Mimosa Films.
In addition to the two The gods must be crazy films, Jamie is also remembered for other popular films such as Daar doer in die bosveld (1951), Lost in the desert (1969) and the Candid camera-style comedies Funny people (1976) and Funny people II (1983). During his long and productive career Jamie (described as a “workaholic” by Boet Troskie) also made documentaries, short films and educational pictures. His documentary Beautiful people (1974), which depicts southern Africa’s unique plant and animal life, earned him the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s award for best documentary (1974). Jamie was praised for successfully intertwining documentary with entertainment.
Most of Jamie’s films are described as “slapstick comedy” which, in his case, means unpretentious movies made to entertain people and not to convey any specific message. Concerning the issue of messages in films he was, in fact, very candid: “I’ve never put a message in – it’s bad for business. It’s arrogant to put messages in. You rob your audience of putting in their own messages”. Message or no message, Jamie’s films are highly enjoyable and, despite being considered outdated in some respects, they portray aspects of local culture in an entertaining and uniquely South African manner.
In addition to the numerous awards and accolades that were bestowed on Jamie, he was also honoured with his own “star” in the South African movies “hall of fame” in Bloemfontein’s Mimosa Mall shopping centre.
The gods must be crazy’s promotion poster. The film features the actor N!xau in the lead role. (Photo source: Mimosa Films)
Beautiful people’s promotion poster. (Photo source: Mimosa Films)
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