Chapter 4 · 2001–2010
Africa’s first and only accredited stunt-training institution, founded by Sensei San Ndlovu to open South African film to performers who had been shut out of it.
In 2002, the Cape Argus reported, Cape Town productions were still painting black faces onto stunt doubles for action scenes. Sensei San Ndlovu set out to change that.
International productions came to Cape Town expecting to find black stunt performers. Few had ever had the chance to train. Dimensional Stunt School was founded in 2001 to close that gap, and its first intake trained in September 2002.
There is such a demand for ‘new blood’ and there are so many unemployed people in this city.
A six-week course in 2002 grew, from 2004, into an accredited 12-week NQF Level 4 Stunt Training & Business Course of six registered unit standards, certified through MAPPP-SETA. Short courses followed in fire, stunt driving, stunt fighting, and rope and wirework.
Industry pioneers Mo Marais of Stunt Network and Max Poolman of MXFX endorsed the school and supported its training as facilitators.
Within two years, 25 graduates and 40 specially trained action extras were working on Third World, filmed in Cape Town and Port St Johns. A hundred more action extras followed for Lord of War. Graduates also worked on King Solomon’s Mines, Forgiveness, Country of My Skull and the German series The Ring.
The last NQF course ran in 2010. Its trainees shot with SABC2’s Pasella, performed at the Amani Festival in October, and closed the year with a graduation showcase. In December 2010, DSS graduates presented Borderline, a stunt performance showcase.
“Stunt performing requires you to use your brain and think on your feet.”
Sensei San Ndlovu · Athlone News, 2004
SENSEI SAN NDLOVU
The week Dimensional Stunt School opened its first course, built to bring new talent into South African film.
“In the stunt field specifically, I have identified a critical gap in the market.”
SENSEI SAN NDLOVU
Two years in: 25 graduates, 15 more in training, and work on Third World and Lord of War.
“Stunt performing requires you to use your brain and think on your feet.”
When Sensei San Ndlovu left South Africa in 2011, he closed the school so that the hundreds he had trained would get their chance in the industry.
Dimensional Stunt School may reopen under the QCTO if the need arises.