GEORGE NEWS - The creative abilities of the 2023 George Has Got Talent (GGT) winner, Loané van Sandwyk, are not limited to singing, songwriting and acting - she is also an aspiring moviemaker and her efforts in this sphere are paying off. Last year, her film entry won the amateur division at the Garden Route Media 48-hour Film Race.
Van Sandwyk studied drama at the University of the Free State and obtained an honours in cabaret from Stellenbosch University.
"During my honours year I learned how to combine my music with acting and I started to do one-woman shows where I combine stand-up comedy with singing and character sketches - usually funny with a deeper meaning. I sometimes do motivational cabaret, also at schools."
She is currently working on a show for a tour in theatres and homes around the country. "I am also writing a script for a new short film. My aspirations include to one day produce and direct my own films and sitcoms. I have a lot of appreciation for competitions such as the film race and the GGT. They just give you that push. Often the road is long and you wonder if your dreams and the hopes that live in your heart will be fulfilled, and then the Lord encourages you in such a way."
Her main focus is to make people laugh. "I love comedy and telling stories. Life is difficult enough, so it's good to be able to laugh and the Lord always gives you something funny, even if you are in the worst of situations. I like to encourage people and want to be an instrument that the Lord can use to bless others."
Van Sandwyk moved to George from Bloemfontein in 2019 and says living in George is "an absolute feast".
"I'm an outdoorsy person and the fact that you can go to the beach, climb the mountain and row, is a huge blessing." She is a member of the Shofar Church worship band and when needed, she assists at her parents' takeaway shop, Kuyler's Fish and Chips.
Her whole family is very supportive of her ambitions.
"Whenever possible, my dad and two laatlam brothers help me with setting up and clearing the stage before and after shows. My elder sister also attends my shows where possible. My mother is partly responsible for me persevering, because she encourages me when I feel my dreams are losing their colour."
She has high praises for the GGT organisers. "It is an absolutely amazing platform. I want to thank them for taking the initiative and for their vision to empower people. Artists often just wish for such an opportunity to introduce themselves to an audience that does not know them.
"I have really prayed that the Lord would allow the one who needs it the most to win, and then He gave it to me, so I really feel blessed, and super grateful for the money."
READ MORE: Loané van Sandwyk takes the laurels at GGT
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