Cape Town may be a prime holiday spot for locals and internationals alike, but it is also home to many – such as local film-maker Jas Miszewski.
Jas Miszewski, along with Rupert Craib, have created a remarkable short film that features old footage of Cape Town, Pretoria and Europe. The film, titled Typical Life follows Jan, who has just lost his grandfather. He locks himself up in his grandparents’ house as a way to hold on to their memory. What he finds within their house will change his life forever.
The film was inspired by Jas Miszewski’s own story. His grandfather passed away more than a year ago and left Jas all their family videos, in the form of 8mm and 16 mm film, as well as VHS tapes. According to Jas, some of the footage dates back as early as 1910. The film footage was originally cut and spliced by hand by Ouma Annie, Jas’s great-grandmother. Not only does Typical Life showcase the evolution of film, it honours a family who captured incredible moments throughout generations.
Shot in Jas’ grandparents’ home at the foot of Table Mountain, the film takes you through the ordinary life of a Cape family in the most extraordinary way. You are treated to glimpses of Worcester, the harbour, the sea and the University of Cape Town from way back in the day. It also features never-before-seen footage of the inauguration of the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria in 1949, and Hitler Youth marching in Rothenberg in 1939.
The film is absolutely stunning. Watch it below:
Photography courtesy Jas Miszewski