THE LAND IS OLD, THE LAND IS OURS
THE LAND IS OLD, THE LAND IS OURS
Mati //naba !
khaima tsi xoa
ti khanasa
ABOUT
ABOUT
THE TREK is a western-horror that follows a Dutch-Afrikaans family and their British benefactor as they make the perilous journey across the Kalahari Desert in the mid-1800s.
Assisted by a mysterious Khoen stranger, the group is preyed upon by the harsh terrain, beset by starvation and suspicion while being stalked by something older and far more merciless than the desert itself.
From one of South Africa’s most daring, new voices, THE TREK combines gritty historical realism with Southern African folktale as it lays bare the horrific brutality and moral decay on the colonial frontier.
THE TREK is a western-horror that follows a Dutch-Afrikaans family and their British benefactor as they make the perilous journey across the Kalahari Desert in the mid-1800s.
Assisted by a mysterious Khoen stranger, the group is preyed upon by the harsh terrain, beset by starvation and suspicion while being stalked by something older and far more merciless than the desert itself.
From one of South Africa’s most daring, new voices, THE TREK combines gritty historical realism with Southern African folktale as it lays bare the horrific brutality and moral decay on the colonial frontier.
In 1846, a Dutch-Afrikaans family and their British benefactor make the perilous journey across the Kalahari Desert to assert their claim on a plot of land.
In 1846, a Dutch-Afrikaans family and their British benefactor make the perilous journey across the Kalahari Desert to assert their claim on a plot of land.
This fateful expedition will force an encounter with two shapeshifting spirits, who place a grisly wager on the party’s lives. As hunger, thirst and fatigue set in, the lost trekkers are persuaded to accept the help of Atshumao – a mysterious Khoen man who emerges from the desert.
This fateful expedition will force an encounter with two shapeshifting spirits, who place a grisly wager on the party’s lives. As hunger, thirst and fatigue set in, the lost trekkers are persuaded to accept the help of Atshumao – a mysterious Khoen man who emerges from the desert.
Misfortune and tragedy dog the party’s footsteps. Preyed upon by the harsh desert, beset by mistrust and desperation, unearthly shadows circle around them as they are stalked by an unseen presence. As paranoia strangles the group and their attackers close in, what measures will they take to ensure their survival?
Misfortune and tragedy dog the party’s footsteps. Preyed upon by the harsh desert, beset by mistrust and desperation, unearthly shadows circle around them as they are stalked by an unseen presence. As paranoia strangles the group and their attackers close in, what measures will they take to ensure their survival?
CAST
TEAM
TEAM
Childhood trips to the local drive-in cemented a strong appreciation for the awe-inspiring power of motion-picture that underpins Meekaaeel’s work. His story-centric approach allowshim to transition between both cinematography roles — THE LAST VICTIMS (2019), SKAAPBOER (2023) and THE SCORE (2025) — as well as directing — Netflix’s STORIES OF A GENERATION WITH POPE FRANCIS (2021). Born in KwaZulu Natal, he continues to work at home in South Africa and abroad in Central Africa, USA, and the UAE.
MEEKAAEEL ADAM
Childhood trips to the local drive-in cemented a strong appreciation for the awe-inspiring power of motion-picture that underpins Meekaaeel’s work. His story-centric approach allowshim to transition between both cinematography roles — THE LAST VICTIMS (2019), SKAAPBOER (2023) and THE SCORE (2025) — as well as directing — Netflix’s STORIES OF A GENERATION WITH POPE FRANCIS (2021). Born in KwaZulu Natal, he continues to work at home in South Africa and abroad in Central Africa, USA, and the UAE.
MEEKAAEEL ADAM
Before forming his production company — THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROJECTS — James cut his teeth on producing marketing content for studios such as Sony Pictures, Paramount and Netflix. He has since focused on producing and writing auteur-driven genre films with his debut horror/comedy FRIED BARRY. Premiering as a SHUDDER Original, Fried Barry earned a “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, found distribution in over 70 countries and earned James a SAFTA nod for ‘Best Feature Film’. James collaborated with DUST for the release of his proof-of-concept sci-fi short EXO SAPIEN in 2023 and his melt movie remake STREET TRASH was released by CINEVERSE in 2024 after its international premiere at IFFR. His elevated horror/western THE TREK is slated for release in 2025, distributed by GLOBAL SCREEN/TELEPOOL and AMAZON.
JAMES C. WILLIAMSON
With Master’s degrees in Law (University of Cape Town) and Public Policy (University of Toronto), Hannah is equally proficient in the production department as she is in the writer’s room. Hannah was a key member of the “Mining Law in Africa” National Research Foundation Initiative from 2018, contributing as an academic and writing for numerous publications. She now works in local government, driving initiatives focused on sustainability and innovation. Although a recent entrant to the film industry, Hannah has worked in the production department on FRIED BARRY (2020) and as a festival coordinator for the 2020 South African Independent Film Festival. She is currently pursuing her goals as a screenwriter alongside her flourishing career in public service. Her study of South African history, law and politics combined with her interest in genre scriptwriting makes her a key element in the realisation of the project.
J. HANNAH MASSYN
Sandulela Asanda (she/they) is a filmmaker from the Eastern Cape currently based in Cape Town South Africa. They have a background in Law and Economics. Asanda holds an Honours degree in film from AFDA Film School in Cape Town. Their student film, Nongqawuse, received a critical review and was selected as the South African entry for the Escolas section of the BRICS film festival 2019. After graduating, Sandulela has worked in film festivals, training institutions, and production. Her first professionally produced short, Mirror Mirror, recently had its world premiere in the Shortcuts Programme at TIFF 2022, and its european premiere at Berlinale Generations 2023. In the same year, the film won the award for Best South African Short at the Durban International Film Festival. Sandulela has most recently worked as a writer on Netflix’s Blood Legacy and is currently in post-production for her feature film debut, Black Burns Fast. She is an alumna of the Locarno Film Festival’s Filmmakers’ Academy, the Durban Film Mart and Realness African Screenwriter’s Residency.
SANDULELA ASANDA
Before forming his production company — THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROJECTS — James cut his teeth on producing marketing content for studios such as Sony Pictures, Paramount and Netflix. He has since focused on producing and writing auteur-driven genre films with his debut horror/comedy FRIED BARRY. Premiering as a SHUDDER Original, Fried Barry earned a “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, found distribution in over 70 countries and earned James a SAFTA nod for ‘Best Feature Film’. James collaborated with DUST for the release of his proof-of-concept sci-fi short EXO SAPIEN in 2023 and his melt movie remake STREET TRASH was released by CINEVERSE in 2024 after its international premiere at IFFR. His elevated horror/western THE TREK is slated for release in 2025, distributed by GLOBAL SCREEN/TELEPOOL and AMAZON.
JAMES C. WILLIAMSON
With Master’s degrees in Law (University of Cape Town) and Public Policy (University of Toronto), Hannah is equally proficient in the production department as she is in the writer’s room. Hannah was a key member of the “Mining Law in Africa” National Research Foundation Initiative from 2018, contributing as an academic and writing for numerous publications. She now works in local government, driving initiatives focused on sustainability and innovation. Although a recent entrant to the film industry, Hannah has worked in the production department on FRIED BARRY (2020) and as a festival coordinator for the 2020 South African Independent Film Festival. She is currently pursuing her goals as a screenwriter alongside her flourishing career in public service. Her study of South African history, law and politics combined with her interest in genre scriptwriting makes her a key element in the realisation of the project.
J. HANNAH MASSYN
Sandulela Asanda (she/they) is a filmmaker from the Eastern Cape currently based in Cape Town South Africa. They have a background in Law and Economics. Asanda holds an Honours degree in film from AFDA Film School in Cape Town. Their student film, Nongqawuse, received a critical review and was selected as the South African entry for the Escolas section of the BRICS film festival 2019. After graduating, Sandulela has worked in film festivals, training institutions, and production. Her first professionally produced short, Mirror Mirror, recently had its world premiere in the Shortcuts Programme at TIFF 2022, and its european premiere at Berlinale Generations 2023. In the same year, the film won the award for Best South African Short at the Durban International Film Festival. Sandulela has most recently worked as a writer on Netflix’s Blood Legacy and is currently in post-production for her feature film debut, Black Burns Fast. She is an alumna of the Locarno Film Festival’s Filmmakers’ Academy, the Durban Film Mart and Realness African Screenwriter’s Residency.
SANDULELA ASANDA
Before forming his production company — THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROJECTS — James cut his teeth on producing marketing content for studios such as Sony Pictures, Paramount and Netflix. He has since focused on producing and writing auteur-driven genre films with his debut horror/comedy FRIED BARRY. Premiering as a SHUDDER Original, Fried Barry earned a “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, found distribution in over 70 countries and earned James a SAFTA nod for ‘Best Feature Film’. James collaborated with DUST for the release of his proof-of-concept sci-fi short EXO SAPIEN in 2023 and his melt movie remake STREET TRASH was released by CINEVERSE in 2024 after its international premiere at IFFR. His elevated horror/western THE TREK is slated for release in 2025, distributed by GLOBAL SCREEN/TELEPOOL and AMAZON.
JAMES C. WILLIAMSON
Before forming his production company — THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROJECTS — James cut his teeth on producing marketing content for studios such as Sony Pictures, Paramount and Netflix. He has since focused on producing and writing auteur-driven genre films with his debut horror/comedy FRIED BARRY. Premiering as a SHUDDER Original, Fried Barry earned a “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, found distribution in over 70 countries and earned James a SAFTA nod for ‘Best Feature Film’. James collaborated with DUST for the release of his proof-of-concept sci-fi short EXO SAPIEN in 2023 and his melt movie remake STREET TRASH was released by CINEVERSE in 2024 after its international premiere at IFFR. His elevated horror/western THE TREK is slated for release in 2025, distributed by GLOBAL SCREEN/TELEPOOL and AMAZON.
JAMES C. WILLIAMSON
Warren Gray is an Emmy and BFDG Award-winning Film Production Designer with more than 25 years of international experience across feature films, television, and commercials. His acclaimed credits include African Queens: Njinga (Netflix/Nutopia/Westbrook), which earned him a Daytime Emmy, the British Film Designers Guild Award-winning Catch Me a Killer, and the SAFTA-winning Noem My Skollie. On the big screen, Warren contributed to the sweeping epic Long Walk to Freedom and designed The Forgiven with Roland Joffé, starring Eric Bana and Forest Whitaker. Most recently, he collaborated with director Allan Unger on the action-comedy-thriller London Calling, continuing his exploration of genre-driven storytelling. Blending his background in industrial design with cinematic craft, Warren draws inspiration from ILM, Weta, and Spielberg's films, while delivering the scale and precision of Ridley Scott. His work has made him a trusted creative partner to both emerging talent and renowned directors worldwide, shaping bold, immersive worlds that bring stories to life.
WARREN GRAY
Michael Wenning is working as an independent format dealer and executive producer who is currently representing more than a dozen international TV series formats in the US market. His most recent projects are set up at Gemstone Studios, TNT, ABC Signature and Avalon US/UK. All of them based on formats he brought into the US market. Over the past decade, he has sold shows to almost every studio, pod and network. Prior to that he had a deal as a consultant for international TV series and coproductions for the German TV channel WDR. In this capacity, he was in charge in creating projects around the world for potential coproductions. He established connections with dozens of creatives in multiple international markets like Australia, Africa, Asia and South America. Prior to his work at WDR, he worked as director for television series and movies. He directed over 150 hours of international television. He worked with international talent like Donald Sutherland, Goran Visnjic, Elizabeth Mitchell, William Fichtner and producers like Frank Spotnitz, Ed Berenero and Rola Bauer. Prior to that he was working as a tv journalist covering domestic and international stories including the civil war in Angola and Burma
MICHAEL WENNING
Warren Gray is an Emmy and BFDG Award-winning Film Production Designer with more than 25 years of international experience across feature films, television, and commercials. His acclaimed credits include African Queens: Njinga (Netflix/Nutopia/Westbrook), which earned him a Daytime Emmy, the British Film Designers Guild Award-winning Catch Me a Killer, and the SAFTA-winning Noem My Skollie. On the big screen, Warren contributed to the sweeping epic Long Walk to Freedom and designed The Forgiven with Roland Joffé, starring Eric Bana and Forest Whitaker. Most recently, he collaborated with director Allan Unger on the action-comedy-thriller London Calling, continuing his exploration of genre-driven storytelling. Blending his background in industrial design with cinematic craft, Warren draws inspiration from ILM, Weta, and Spielberg's films, while delivering the scale and precision of Ridley Scott. His work has made him a trusted creative partner to both emerging talent and renowned directors worldwide, shaping bold, immersive worlds that bring stories to life.
WARREN GRAY
Michael Wenning is working as an independent format dealer and executive producer who is currently representing more than a dozen international TV series formats in the US market. His most recent projects are set up at Gemstone Studios, TNT, ABC Signature and Avalon US/UK. All of them based on formats he brought into the US market. Over the past decade, he has sold shows to almost every studio, pod and network. Prior to that he had a deal as a consultant for international TV series and coproductions for the German TV channel WDR. In this capacity, he was in charge in creating projects around the world for potential coproductions. He established connections with dozens of creatives in multiple international markets like Australia, Africa, Asia and South America. Prior to his work at WDR, he worked as director for television series and movies. He directed over 150 hours of international television. He worked with international talent like Donald Sutherland, Goran Visnjic, Elizabeth Mitchell, William Fichtner and producers like Frank Spotnitz, Ed Berenero and Rola Bauer. Prior to that he was working as a tv journalist covering domestic and international stories including the civil war in Angola and Burma
MICHAEL WENNING
KONSTANTIN KORENCHUK
NADEZHDA GORSHKOVA
KRISTII SCHNEIDER
CAMILLA BORGHESANI
SIMON PILARSKI
KUMARAN PADAYCHEE
KONSTANTIN KORENCHUK
NADEZHDA GORSHKOVA
KRISTII SCHNEIDER
CAMILLA BORGHESANI
SIMON PILARSKI
KUMARAN PADAYCHEE
Collin “The Bushman” Meyer is a Cape Town–based musician, storyteller and cultural facilitator whose work reclaims and celebrates his Khoi heritage through performance and music. Known for pioneering the “Khoi Blues” — a fusion of traditional mouth-bow, blues rhythms and spoken word — Collin has become a vital voice in South Africa’s indigenous arts scene. His one-man show Gatvol se Osmoses and numerous community workshops blend theatre, history and activism, exploring identity, land and language with humour and raw honesty. As a performer, he’s appeared in film (The Trek, 2025) and on stage at festivals across the country, where his presence is equal parts educator and entertainer. Through his art and outreach, “The Bushman” continues to bridge ancient tradition with contemporary expression, giving voice to stories long suppressed and reminding audiences that the Khoi spirit remains very much alive.
COLLIN 'THE BUSHMAN' MEYER
Collin “The Bushman” Meyer is a Cape Town–based musician, storyteller and cultural facilitator whose work reclaims and celebrates his Khoi heritage through performance and music. Known for pioneering the “Khoi Blues” — a fusion of traditional mouth-bow, blues rhythms and spoken word — Collin has become a vital voice in South Africa’s indigenous arts scene. His one-man show Gatvol se Osmoses and numerous community workshops blend theatre, history and activism, exploring identity, land and language with humour and raw honesty. As a performer, he’s appeared in film (The Trek, 2025) and on stage at festivals across the country, where his presence is equal parts educator and entertainer. Through his art and outreach, “The Bushman” continues to bridge ancient tradition with contemporary expression, giving voice to stories long suppressed and reminding audiences that the Khoi spirit remains very much alive.
COLLIN 'THE BUSHMAN' MEYER
Childhood trips to the local drive-in cemented a strong appreciation for the awe-inspiring power of motion-picture that underpins Meekaaeel’s work. His story-centric approach allows him to transition between both cinematography roles — THE LAST VICTIMS (2019), SKAAPBOER (2023) and THE SCORE (2025) — as well as directing — Netflix’s STORIES OF A GENERATION WITH POPE FRANCIS (2021). Born in KwaZulu Natal, he continues to work at home in South Africa and abroad in Central Africa, USA, and the UAE.
MEEKAAEEL ADAM
Before forming his production company — THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROJECTS — James cut his teeth on producing marketing content for studios such as Sony Pictures, Paramount and Netflix. He has since focused on producing and writing auteur-driven genre films with his debut horror/comedy FRIED BARRY. Premiering as a SHUDDER Original, Fried Barry earned a “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, found distribution in over 70 countries and earned James a SAFTA nod for ‘Best Feature Film’. James collaborated with DUST for the release of his proof-of-concept sci-fi short EXO SAPIEN in 2023 and his melt movie remake STREET TRASH was released by CINEVERSE in 2024 after its international premiere at IFFR. His elevated horror/western THE TREK is slated for release in 2025, distributed by GLOBAL SCREEN/TELEPOOL and AMAZON.
JAMES C. WILLIAMSON
With Master’s degrees in Law (University of Cape Town) and Public Policy (University of Toronto), Hannah is equally proficient in the production department as she is in the writer’s room. Hannah was a key member of the “Mining Law in Africa” National Research Foundation Initiative from 2018, contributing as an academic and writing for numerous publications. She now works in local government, driving initiatives focused on sustainability and innovation. Although a recent entrant to the film industry, Hannah has worked in the production department on FRIED BARRY (2020) and as a festival coordinator for the 2020 South African Independent Film Festival. She is currently pursuing her goals as a screenwriter alongside her flourishing career in public service. Her study of South African history, law and politics combined with her interest in genre scriptwriting makes her a key element in the realisation of the project.
J. HANNAH MASSYN
Sandulela Asanda (she/they) is a filmmaker from the Eastern Cape currently based in Cape Town South Africa. They have a background in Law and Economics. Asanda holds an Honours degree in film from AFDA Film School in Cape Town. Their student film, Nongqawuse, received a critical review and was selected as the South African entry for the Escolas section of the BRICS film festival 2019. After graduating, Sandulela has worked in film festivals, training institutions, and production. Her first professionally produced short, Mirror Mirror, recently had its world premiere in the Shortcuts Programme at TIFF 2022, and its european premiere at Berlinale Generations 2023. In the same year, the film won the award for Best South African Short at the Durban International Film Festival. Sandulela has most recently worked as a writer on Netflix’s Blood Legacy and is currently in post-production for her feature film debut, Black Burns Fast. She is an alumna of the Locarno Film Festival’s Filmmakers’ Academy, the Durban Film Mart and Realness African Screenwriter’s Residency.
Sandulela Asanda
Before forming his production company — THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL PROJECTS — James cut his teeth on producing marketing content for studios such as Sony Pictures, Paramount and Netflix. He has since focused on producing and writing auteur-driven genre films with his debut horror/comedy FRIED BARRY. Premiering as a SHUDDER Original, Fried Barry earned a “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, found distribution in over 70 countries and earned James a SAFTA nod for ‘Best Feature Film’. James collaborated with DUST for the release of his proof-of-concept sci-fi short EXO SAPIEN in 2023 and his melt movie remake STREET TRASH was released by CINEVERSE in 2024 after its international premiere at IFFR. His elevated horror/western THE TREK is slated for release in 2025, distributed by GLOBAL SCREEN/TELEPOOL and AMAZON.
JAMES C. WILLIAMSON
Warren Gray is an Emmy and BFDG Award-winning Film Production Designer with more than 25 years of international experience across feature films, television, and commercials. His acclaimed credits include African Queens: Njinga (Netflix/Nutopia/Westbrook), which earned him a Daytime Emmy, the British Film Designers Guild Award-winning Catch Me a Killer, and the SAFTA-winning Noem My Skollie. On the big screen, Warren contributed to the sweeping epic Long Walk to Freedom and designed The Forgiven with Roland Joffé, starring Eric Bana and Forest Whitaker. Most recently, he collaborated with director Allan Unger on the action-comedy-thriller London Calling, continuing his exploration of genre-driven storytelling. Blending his background in industrial design with cinematic craft, Warren draws inspiration from ILM, Weta, and Spielberg's films, while delivering the scale and precision of Ridley Scott. His work has made him a trusted creative partner to both emerging talent and renowned directors worldwide, shaping bold, immersive worlds that bring stories to life.
WARREN GRAY
Michael Wenning is working as an independent format dealer and executive producer who is currently representing more than a dozen international TV series formats in the US market. His most recent projects are set up at Gemstone Studios, TNT, ABC Signature and Avalon US/UK. All of them based on formats he brought into the US market. Over the past decade, he has sold shows to almost every studio, pod and network. Prior to that he had a deal as a consultant for international TV series and coproductions for the German TV channel WDR. In this capacity, he was in charge in creating projects around the world for potential coproductions. He established connections with dozens of creatives in multiple international markets like Australia, Africa, Asia and South America. Prior to his work at WDR, he worked as director for television series and movies. He directed over 150 hours of international television. He worked with international talent like Donald Sutherland, Goran Visnjic, Elizabeth Mitchell, William Fichtner and producers like Frank Spotnitz, Ed Berenero and Rola Bauer. Prior to that he was working as a tv journalist covering domestic and international stories including the civil war in Angola and Burma
MICHAEL WENNING
KONSTANTIN KORENCHUK
NADEZHDA GORSHKOVA
KRISTII SCHNEIDER
CAMILLA BORGHESANI
SIMON PILARSKI
KUMARAN PADAYCHEE
Collin “The Bushman” Meyer is a Cape Town–based musician, storyteller and cultural facilitator whose work reclaims and celebrates his Khoi heritage through performance and music. Known for pioneering the “Khoi Blues” — a fusion of traditional mouth-bow, blues rhythms and spoken word — Collin has become a vital voice in South Africa’s indigenous arts scene. His one-man show Gatvol se Osmoses and numerous community workshops blend theatre, history and activism, exploring identity, land and language with humour and raw honesty. As a performer, he’s appeared in film (The Trek, 2025) and on stage at festivals across the country, where his presence is equal parts educator and entertainer. Through his art and outreach, “The Bushman” continues to bridge ancient tradition with contemporary expression, giving voice to stories long suppressed and reminding audiences that the Khoi spirit remains very much alive.
COLLIN 'THE BUSHMAN' MEYER
