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By Eleanor Douglas-Meyers | 041Online

Roxanne Van Rooyen is a rising star from Kariega who has already made her mark on the international stage. She won Best Lead Actress for her debut performance in Rags to Riches and followed it up the next year with Best Ensemble, both at the renowned 48 Hour Film Project.

“The feeling was amazing,” she says. “It was my first time in front of the lens, and it motivated me to dive deeper into the industry.” The experience was intense, with scripts written the night before shooting and no budget to spare. “The adrenaline was amazing,” she recalls.

For Roxanne, the journey to awards began in her hometown. “After so many failed career attempts and just not knowing what my purpose is, I started asking God for guidance,” she explains.

During a prophetic church service, her leader told her she was a celebrity. She laughed at the time, but something in her spirit knew there was truth in those words. “God later said, ‘You are an actress,’” she says. “I was still in disbelief, but something inside of me said this is your calling. Acting is your calling.”

Her mentor, local filmmaker Elmare Hendricks, played a pivotal role in turning that calling into opportunity. When Meyer entered the 48 Hour Film Project, she encouraged Roxanne to audition. “She said, ‘You said you want to act. I need an actress.’ That’s how I got my first gig,” Roxanne recalls.

From Kariega to the Camera

To many, Kariega is a small town, but for Roxanne, it’s where her purpose took shape. “To me, it’s a place where many talents are hidden under stigma and statistics,” she says. “It’s inspired me to aim higher, to empower every little girl and boy in my community to believe in themselves and rise above their circumstances.”

She still calls Kariega home and balances her growing acting career with her small business. In 2023, she launched her own nail salon, building a loyal clientele while juggling auditions and filming. “I’m a girl of many talents and a hustle mindset,” she says.

Eight years ago, Roxanne faced one of the darkest moments of her life when she experienced a stillbirth at 35 weeks. The pain was unimaginable, but it reshaped her understanding of strength and purpose. “It drew me closer to God,” she says. “After healing, I decided to use my voice to reach out to women in our community who suffered the same loss. I help them privately to deal and work through the trauma. That experience will always be one of my most inspirational tools.”

Faith, Family, and the Future

Roxanne believes one of the biggest challenges for Eastern Cape performers is access. “There aren’t enough training or development programmes here, especially for those who can’t afford drama school,” she says. “Most opportunities are in Johannesburg or Cape Town.” Despite that, her faith, family, and community have been constant pillars of support. “My faith is the main character. Without it, I’m lost,” she says. “My family’s support has been unmatched, and my community has always shown generosity when I needed funding or sponsorships.”

Roxanne hopes to one day tell her personal story of child loss in a Tyler Perry production, and locally she dreams of appearing in Kelders van Geheime. She is also working on a new short film with MMK Productions and Diamond Linnage Productions.

“The arts industry isn’t a get-rich-quick industry,” she says. “You’ll be broke sometimes, and you’ll have to do free gigs. But you’re not an actor until you’ve acted. Take every opportunity, even the small ones. One link can be your breakthrough.”

Follow Roxanne’s Journey:
Instagram: @roxanne.y.vanrooyen
Facebook: Roxanne Van Rooyen
Film links are available on her social media timelines.