Government permission for Pollsmoor Prison filming

The first segment of the film has already been completed in Cardiff Prison, Wales. Filming in Pollsmoor commences in October 2007 and will be completed later this year in Canada.

The story maps the early life of the emperor Julius Caesar from his youth, when, perceived as a complete failure, he struggled simply to keep alive in the midst of the brutal conflict raging between rival leaders, the vicious Sulla, and his lieutenant Marius, Caesar's uncle, to the age of thirty three when he emerged as a brilliant leader.

The company, lead by Paul Schoolman and Alice Krige, has done over 20 years of work in prisons. During this period, they have taken in numerous of topline professionals to work with them. The remarkable depth of talent and the sheer professionalism they have encountered, make prisons a real and vital setting for the retelling of this timeless story of a young man's journey into manhood.

The project also entails the creation of skills training courses for prisoners in theatre, film and video. A foundation is being created to continue this work after filming has been completed.

The initiative, including the prisoner rehabilitation workshops and the StringCaesar motion picture, is currently being financed by the actors themselves, who will all be in Cape Town during November.

The project is looking for willing participants to assist with both the workshops and the filming, but also for trade exchanges for travel, catering and accommodation for the actors. Furthermore, a financial backer is being sought for post-production costs and the relevant associative benefits are available for a sponsor.

For more information, go to www.stringcaesar.com.