OFF the back of a bumper to bumper period for rising star Greg Kriek, there seems to be no letting go of the gas pedal for this young actor just yet.
Kriek has recently had a successful run with numerous roles in local and international film and television projects, and his leading role in the gritty medical thriller Bypass now sees him represent South Africa at Cannes International Film Festival for the fourth time.
For this showing of the organ trafficking film he will be joined by local actors Hakeem Kae-Kazeem, Deon Lotz and Natalie Becker. The 2016 Cannes event will take place from Wednesday to May 22.
“Having the honour to tell stories about heart-wrenching global social issues is both a responsibility and a dream come true” says Kriek. “The world is hungry for stories with more authenticity and substance and my hope is to continue building my career with impactful wide-reaching projects like this”
“I love challenging myself to take on characters that are very different to me. If one is not growing and learning continuously then you are wasting your time. That’s part of the fun!”, says the versatile trilingual actor who has played a healthy combination of thug, heartthrob and hero roles.
Kriek will also soon be seen playing abusive stepfather (Andre) in Meg Rickard’s highly anticipated Tess with Christia Visser; as well as his first American leading role as Henry in zombie flick Last Ones Out.
Both movies are part of the official selection at The Durban International Film Festival later this year.
Audiences will also recognize the actor from the international blockbuster Momentum(Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko) ‘N Man Soos My Pa, Born To Win, Modder and Bloed, Mooirivier and Tula Tula, for which he received two best actor nominations in the US.
And if the big screen wasn’t enough, he will also be hitting the small screen this month assuming the role of chief fashion magazine editor Derick Verster on Kyknet’s Suidooster TV series, which will screen from May 17.
Kriek is also currently prepping to shoot two other movies - a rhino poaching film, as well as a jaded rapper comedy.
He adds, “You have to keep the dream alive. If you maintain a good attitude and keep learning nothing can stand in your way”, is his advice to budding actors.
For Kriek’s role in the zany comedy about a washed-out, famous rapper who goes on a journey to rediscover his voice - think Eminem’s 8 Mile meets Danny Collins.
Seems the sky is the limit for this up and coming young star.
l To see him in action: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekHrVbK6oV0