The film industry is mourning the loss of the award-winning film producer Andries “Andre” Scholtz, of Durbanville, who died on Monday, September 30, at the age of 79.
Born on April 9 in 1945 in Roodepoort in the West Rand, Gauteng, Scholtz’s journey in the film industry began in the small town of Koffiefontein in the Free State, where he was raised alongside his younger brother, Dawid, who survives him.
Scholtz’s life took a turn when he met the love of his life, Riana, in 1981.
Their love story, filled with laughter and devotion, culminated into a family of five children – Gertruida, Michael, Mara-lee, Dries and Kristo.
Scholtz held Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Leadership degrees and his career spanned over five decades.
His love for film and storytelling allowed him to produce and co-produce over 35 feature films, along with numerous television series.
Since 1985, he has produced and co-produced many notable films including You Must Be Joking, Sweet n Short, Oh Shucks, and Here Comes Untag.
One of his many collaborations with acclaimed filmmaker Koos Roets was PawPaw for My Darling, released in January 2016.
In 2007, their television series Dryfsand won several prestigious ATKV Veertjie Awards, including Best Drama, Best Script, and Best Director.
Together with Hanneke Schutte, they brought Meerkat Maantuig in 2017 to life, a film that garnered fame at various international film festivals.
Additionally, Scholtz served as a South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) judge for many years.
He was also a rugby fanatic who was known for his humour and ability to forge lifelong friendships.
Andre was also blessed with six granddaughters and had recently welcomed his first grandson.
His family have requested privacy during this difficult time as they try to come to terms with their loss.
