Based on a local legend, Grade 12 student, Caitlyn Naicker (17) plays the infamous ghost of a young woman who was raped and murdered in Chatsworth and now haunts the highway where she was killed. Said to be roaming the Higginson Highway and hitchhiking for lifts from passing motorists to this day, the ghost story remains very much alive and created the perfect backdrop for a movie with all the thrills.
Caitlyn said she had been overjoyed to get the callback, having auditioned when she was just 15 years old. She has gained valuable experience in learning to act on camera.
“My acting thus far had been on the stage, so I had to adjust my acting style, toning it down for the film,” she said. “I worked on finding that young girl who believed in all things good within myself for this role,” she said. Caitlyn runs the theatre club at Ashton and hopes to make a career on the silver screen.
“Highway Sheila: Resurrection” dives into the family’s quest to find their daughter’s killer. A priest connects with a restless spirit on the highway where she died, setting in motion a hunt for the truth.
“The urban myth of ‘Highway Sheila’ holds a special place in the hearts of all South Africans. I hope to take her story and share it with the world, offering a relatable concept that transcends borders,” said Durban director, Arish Sirkissoon.
The psychological thriller is showing in 24 cinemas across the country and is also being premiered in Zambia.