Private Project

Lost in the Darkness (30 min)

Lost in the Darkness takes audiences on an emotional journey as a teenager confronts a devastating diagnosis of depression, plunging him into a tumultuous world of shattered perceptions.

Struggling to find his way back to reality, he relies on his unwavering parents, whose unwavering faith is tested repeatedly.

In a tale infused with hope, faith, and unyielding determination, Lost in the Darkness captures the power of resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.

  • Leopold Hubert Hoekstra
    Director
  • Leopold Hubert Hoekstra
    Writer
  • Leopold Hubert Hoekstra
    Producer
  • Hanno van Heerden
    Key Cast
    "Abel Venter"
  • Juan Cumberlege
    Key Cast
    "Tertius Venter"
  • Nizaan Henning
    Key Cast
    "Elise Venter"
  • Arne' Hugo
    Key Cast
    "Christo Els"
  • Marnus Le Roux
    Key Cast
    "Bertus Steyn"
  • Danell Bekker
    Key Cast
    "Alicia Kruger"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 3, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    Afrikaans
  • Shooting Format:
    Smartphone
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Leopold Hubert Hoekstra


Born in 1997, Leo Hoekstra discovered his passion for filmmaking during his early years. Even as a youngster, he dedicated his free time to honing his skills in video editing.

As he matured, Leo's love for both filmmaking and writing flourished. It was during his time at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth that he delved into the profound essence of cinema, recognizing it as a form of art.

Inspired by this newfound perspective, Leo embarked on a creative journey, writing and directing films that seamlessly blend entertainment with profound significance.

His primary goal is to craft narratives that carry meaningful lessons, empowering viewers to apply these insights to their own lives. Leo's dedication lies in delivering stories that resonate deeply and leaves a lasting impact.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My motivation for creating this film was to offer hope and inspiration to parents and teens who are battling depression. By highlighting the journey of a young person overcoming mental illness, my aim was to show that there is a way out of the darkness and that with faith and perseverance, it is possible to conquer this struggle.

My motivation for creating this film was to offer hope and inspiration to parents and teens who are battling depression. By highlighting the journey of a young person overcoming mental illness, my aim was to show that there is a way out of the darkness and that with faith and perseverance, it is possible to conquer this struggle.

Despite my passion and motivation to create a film that offers hope and inspiration to parents and teens battling depression, my career as a filmmaker faces a significant limitation: I am solely reliant on a smartphone for filming. This device, while convenient and readily accessible, poses certain challenges when it comes to capturing the depth and intricacies of such an important subject.

Nonetheless, armed with determination, I embraced the limitations of my smartphone and saw them as an opportunity to think creatively and push the boundaries of what is possible. I recognized that the story itself, the message of triumph over mental illness, was far more critical than the equipment used to capture it. In fact, the rawness and authenticity achieved through the lens of a smartphone had the potential to resonate deeply with audiences, making the film even more relatable and intimate.

With this perspective in mind, I delved into the project with unwavering faith and perseverance. I meticulously planned each shot, considering lighting, angles, and composition to maximize the emotional impact on the viewers. I experimented with various smartphone accessories and techniques, seeking to achieve professional-level results despite the limitations I faced.

Through this process, I discovered that the power of storytelling lies not in the tools we possess but in our ability to convey genuine emotions and meaningful narratives. I devoted myself to capturing the essence of the protagonist's journey, documenting their struggles, breakthroughs, and ultimate triumph with empathy and sensitivity.