Actress Nicole Fortuin continues to attain new levels of success in her career and shows no sign of slowing down. She is evidence that South Africa is home to a wealth of exceptional talent. She is a marvel to watch in everything, from local productions to Hollywood hits.
This stage and film actress is no stranger to our television screens. She rose to prominence after landing the lead role of Maryke van Niekerk in the SABC3 drama series ‘Roer Jou Voete.’ She landed a role in the Warner Brothers film ‘A Cinderella Story: If The Shoe Fits’ in 2016. Her acting resume has improved year after year, and she has a growing circle of supporters around her since she began her career in 2015.
I think when you start out you have an idea of what it means to be an actor and as you progress in your career you begin to really understand that most worthwhile things require time, sacrifice, risk-taking, vulnerability, and commitment.
– Nicole Fortuin
Fortuin has juggled different roles seamlessly and working with highly acclaimed director Jenna Bass in the feature film, Flatland is something she will always be grateful for. “I honestly think the world of Jenna. She is so creative, authentic, and caring I knew when I met her, whether I got the part or not, she would be a great friend and she is.”, says Nicole talking about working with the award-winning filmmaker.
Flatland opened at Berlin Film Festival’s Panorama section and also had its North American premiere in the Contemporary World Cinema selection of the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. It also stirred so much love when it premiered home at the 2019 Joburg Film Festival, taking home the Best African Film Award.
Watch the trailer:
The film has a 91% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Variety calling the South African film “an exhilarating fusion of contemporary western and girls-gone-wild road movie” and praising “the film’s sensational trio of female leads” – Nicole Fortuin, Faith Baloyi, and Izel Bezuidenhout.
“Bringing the story to life was one of the most special moments of my career. It was very difficult at times but the story itself, the characters we played, the people I worked with, and what I learned along the way is truly priceless. I will always carry it with me.”, says Fortuin.
This remarkable actress boasts with impressive credits locally & internationally underneath her belt. She graduated with an Honours Equivalent BA degree in Theatre & Performance from the University of Cape Town in 2014. She also starred in the hit soapie Generations: The Legacy on SABC 1. “To be honest… it often feels surreal.”, says Fortuin. “I work very hard, try to always make the smartest decisions so I sometimes have to remind myself to stop and smell the popcorn. I feel encouraged to keep pushing but I also feel pressure to maintain a standard. Its all part of following your dreams.”
Starring in Rage, Showmax’s first Original horror film where she plays Tamsyn. Playing exceptional and different characters has paid off for Nicole hence she can never be labeled a one-trick pony. “I love the idea of transformation when acting… it’s fun for me as an actor but it’s also part of one of my life philosophies: we are all connected. When we can open up parts of ourselves and see the similarities between us and those who seem different to us, we usually become more empathetic, accepting, and aware of how those differences aren’t so big after all.”
The entertainment industry and particularly acting is very fast-paced and challenging. We’ve seen talented artists come and go but this actress has learned some helpful things to keep her motivated at all times. “Remember why you do it, trust in yourself & rest when you need to”, she sums it up.
It’s so amazing to see Nicole’s journey in this industry as she’s only been around for a few years but hasn’t left any stone unturned! She made some great impact and we are yet to see more from this phenomenal actress.
