Jans Rautenbach Biography

Director Jans Rautenbach was originally trained to be a psychologist. In 1964 he teamed up with Emil Nofal to form a production company. Their collaboration aroused the ire of conservative South Africans and the constant suspicions of censors who did not always catch the heavily disguised meaning of their highly symbolic allegories. Like many other South African filmmakers, the two use many stereotypes; unlike their peers, they use them creatively in their stories to make their point. Rautenbach worked toghether from 1964-1969. After pursuing seperate careers, the two rejoined in 1974 to do Ongewenste Vreemdeling. Rautenbach's first documentary, 1967's The Ever Free, won an Award at the Milan Film Festival in 1968. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi