Meet Finding Optel’s Mikayla Brown

Filmmaker and actress Mikayla Brown has carved out a space for herself in South Africa’s creative landscape with Finding Optel, a charming, heartfelt detective story brimming with colour, curiosity and community. Co-created with her brother Jesse Brown and brought to life through the support of Blended Films, the project blends childhood nostalgia, Cape Flats vibrancy, and whimsical storytelling into something entirely fresh.

We caught up with Mikayla to chat about the inspiration behind Finding Optel, collaborating with her brother, and bringing a whimsical Cape Flats mystery to life.

Q. Where did the idea for Finding Optel come from?

A. In 2022, I did my Honours in Creative Writing and choose to write a screenplay for my final year project. I wanted my first screenplay to be a detective story because I really enjoy the genre of mystery and suspense (I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes). I also wanted to write a story that was quirky and incorporated my childhood experiences. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house in Monte Video. I have such lekker memories of playing in the wide streets, going to the parks and visiting the neighbours. I wanted to capture those memories in Finding Optel.

Q. You co-created this project with your brother, what was that dynamic like?

A. Jesse and I got along really well! We both have different strengths which this project needed. Yes, we had our moments of disagreements – we are tog maar siblings. We however have a good relationship at home so it wasn’t difficult to relate that to a professional setting. We did all the storyboarding together which helped us have the same vision for the film. We also realised that there was no time to not be on the same page as we only had 12 days to shoot, haha!

Q. Was there a moment during production where you really felt in sync as collaborators?

A. Jesse and I storyboarded everything together during pre-production. This meant that during production, I could take a step back from directing and focus on the acting. I however would sometimes still give my two cents where I could. During production it was quite surreal to see those shots come to life. There’s some very funny shots in the film. Especially one involving a samosa.

After a day on set, Jesse and I would always debrief. This also helped us stay in sync.

Q. How did you approach building the world and tone of the film?

A. When writing Finding Optel, I had a vision of how I wanted the world to look and feel. As I mentioned, I was inspired by childhood memories with my grandparents who stayed on the Cape Flats. I didn’t see the Cape Flats as a dreary place of crime and poverty. Even though this is a reality, it’s not the only reality. There’s so much life and resilience in the community. I wanted to show this in Finding Optel through the bright colour palettes and dynamic cinematography.

The team that Blended Films selected really brought my vision to life. The DOP, Paul Guyeu knew the story needed fun, dynamic shots of whip-pans, zoom-ins, extreme close-ups. Our costume director, Ayesha Khatieb and her team brought so much vibrancy to the world through textures and colour. Sumaya Wicomb and her production design team also filled the spaces with such authenticity and whimsy. Sumaya won the award for best production design at Silwerskermfees!

Q. Silwerskermfees is known for bold, original storytelling. How did it feel to debut Finding Optel there?

A. It was such a blessing to have Finding Optel debut at Silwerskermfees. It was my and Jesse’s first time going to the festival. We were overwhelmed with such support from family, friends and other filmmakers.

Q. Were there any unexpected challenges during production, and how did you handle them?

A. I think time was one of the biggest challenges on set. My script has a lot of characters and locations that we had to shoot over 12 days. So we had a very tight shooting schedule

I had to cut a lot of scenes and characters which actually helped me get to the essence of the story. For production, we also had to simplify some of the camera set ups that we imagined during the storyboard session.

Q. Can you tell us about a moment on set that really stuck with you?

A. This was my first time acting as a lead but I never once felt overwhelmed because the crew and cast made me feel so safe. The cast included the veteran actors, Oscar Petersen, Zenobia Kloppers, Maurice Carpede, Euodia Samson. I loved learning from them and hearing their wisdom whether it be about the film industry or life in general.

I also remember the time we filmed the climactic scene. I was quite sick with the flu. I remember feeling so miff because we were filming the biggest scene and here I am trying to make sure my nose isn’t running. I remember telling Jesse that I felt I could’ve acted better. He told me that being in that space of discomfort actually helped me find the essence of what the scene required. That really stuck with me.

Q. Who or what were your biggest creative influences while making this film?

A. During the writing process of Finding Optel, I watched Amelie by Jeun-Pierre Jeunet. I was so inspired by its quirky characters and cinematography. I wanted to write a story that had that whimsical style but also felt South African.

Scrapper by Charlotte Reagon was also a creative influence. Jesse and I both liked that the film was grounded in reality but still portrayed the world through a child’s imagination. It also dealt with grief and a father and daughter relationship which is similar to Finding Optel.

Lastly, Paddington 2 was a winner as well! It used comedy and whimsy in such a heartfelt way.

Q. What was the casting process like, especially since you were also playing a central role?

A. I wasn’t initially supposed to play the lead character of Claire but Dominique Jossie and Quanita Adams from Blended Films, encouraged me to do so. They said the story was so close to my heart and that I am an aspiring actress, so why not? I initially felt like I shouldn’t as I was worried, I’d be wearing too many hats. But I received such great support from the Blended team and Jesse that I didn’t feel like I was in over my head. Claire was also such a fun character!

Regarding the rest of the cast, we had a few options in mind for each character and often got our first choice. Thanks to Blended Films, they connected us with an amazing cast.

Q. What message or feeling do you hope audiences take away from Finding Optel?

A. Finding Optel celebrates community. We need people to walk with us through the highs and lows of life. Just as it takes a village to raise a kid, it still takes a village to live as an adult. Life was never meant to be walked alone.

Q. What has the audience response been like so far? Any feedback that surprised you?

A. We’ve had such great audience response. For two of the screenings at Silwerskermfees we had a Q&A, it was so lovely to hear what the audience thought of the film. It especially warmed my heart to hear people thank us for representing their community in a positive light.

Q. What’s next for you, and for Finding Optel? Festival circuit, wider release?

A. Finding Optel will be premiering at BFI London Film Festival on19 October. We are so blessed to have our local story travel to this is a prestigious international event! Finding Optel will then be released on Showmax on 24 October.

Q. As a young voice in South African film, what stories are you most excited to tell next?

A. I am a very family-orientated person so my writing generally revolves around family. My next project that I am writing is for a feature film. It explores the world of pigeon racing. I seem to enjoy writing about animals!

Q. Any advice for emerging filmmakers who are trying to get their first project off the ground?

A. This sounds cheesy but backing yourself is so important. If I gave into my fears of failure, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Believe that you do have a story to tell.

Then keep an eye out for calls for projects through NFVF and other industry calls like the MNET portal. If your project isn’t selected, don’t be discouraged. Keep trying. Being in the arts means walking a road of resilience. There will be disappointments but don’t give up!

Watch Finding Optel trailer here.