A bespoke range of outfits created by Barrydale Hand Weavers have made it onto the big screen and are featured in a major motion picture.
Set in 1823 with Viola Davis in the lead role, The Woman King is based on a true story of all-female warriors who protected the African kingdom of Dahomey.
It challenges concepts of masculinity and femininity as particular focus is placed on the mental and physical strength of female warriors.
The recent premiere was attended by staff of Barrydale who were treated to a private screening at Nu Metro in Worcester.
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Of the 28 team members from Barrydale, seven had never been to a movie theatre.
“It is an action movie so there is a lot of aggression, but the beauty of the relationship between a mother and daughter who reunited was good to see,” production supervisor Henrietta Windvögel told news62.co.za
“I was in charge of sending away so much of the material, but I never thought something that was made by someone I work with would be worn by a famous actress. It was remarkable.”
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The initial order was for 60m of woven fabric to produce the clothes of some of the lead actors.
However, after consideration, the film’s production team decided that an additional 1600m were required to ensure that all of the extras looked their very best.
“It was the most wonderful feeling to see the material, which I ironed, on the big screen,” said Jonene Marthinus – one of the weavers who experienced the big screen for the first time.
“There were times when I wondered, when will this end,” she quipped.
Marthinus added that she had drawn a lot of inspiration from the movie.
“She (the lead actress) had the power and she said to herself that she would not allow any person to get her down.”
“ It motivated me personally in the sense that nothing will come in my way of reaching my goals. All I have to do is do it.”
The Woman King is currently showing at all reputable cinema houses around the world.
Photo: Facebook/Barrydale Weavers
