Support 'The Quiet One': A documentary on Oscar Gutierrez's journey
Oscar Gutierrez, pictured at the beach in Kalk Bay. The team behind a documentary on his life is currently raising funds to continue production. One of the things Gutierrez loves most about living in Kalk Bay is taking early morning and sunset swims.
Image: Michlle Joubert
A new feature documentary about one of South Africa’s most trusted photojournalists, Oscar Gutierrez of Kalk Bay, is in development, and the filmmakers are seeking public support to help bring it to the global stage.
Titled The Quiet One, the film traces the extraordinary life and career of Mr Gutierrez, an acclaimed photojournalist.
From capturing presidents and global icons to the everyday lives of shack dwellers and miners, his work has helped document the evolving story of South Africa’s democracy.
Born in Guatemala, Mr Gutierrez fled the country’s brutal civil war as a teenager and eventually found refuge in New York before settling in South Africa in 1994.
His South African journey began with a surreal moment on the day of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration: “Imagine standing in an elevator with Nelson Mandela, holding twelve rolls of film but no camera.”
The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the life behind the lens, exploring universal themes of memory, identity, exile, and the search for home.
It follows his long and winding road from trauma to belonging, culminating in a long-awaited reunion with a son he hasn’t seen in 35 years.
When asked what it’s like to have the lens turned on him, Mr Gutierrez said someone mentioned it was about his legacy, but he said, “I’m not interested in my legacy - I’m still here. For me, this is about the images. The story it tells.”
On why the project matters, he said, “It is essential to document history, we must capture the present moment.
When asked if there was one image or moment that stayed with him, Mr Gutierrez recalled a private event in Mozambique where he was the only photographer to capture a rare moment between Nelson Mandela, Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano (Frelimo), and opposition leader Afonso Dhlakama (Renamo).
The Quiet One is being made by a world-class creative team, including producer Natalie Geyser, award-winning director Meg Rickards (Tess, Snake), Emmy-winning executive producer Dan Jawitz, celebrated editor Tim Greene, and acclaimed Dutch cinematographer Bert Haitsma.
Told entirely from Mr Gutierrez's point of view, the film weaves together never-before-seen photographs and vérité footage filmed across Guatemala, South Africa, and the US.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela with Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano (Frelimo), left, and opposition leader Afonso Dhlakama (Renamo), right. This rare moment was captured by Oscar Gutierrez during a private event in Mozambique.
Image: Oscar Gutierrez
The documentary has already secured 30% of its R8 million budget, with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, the Gauteng Film Commission, and the SABC.
A Canadian executive producer is also on board, paving the way for international co-productions.
In June, The Quiet One was selected as one of only 42 global projects to pitch at Sunny Side of the Doc - one of the world’s leading documentary markets. Upcoming pitch events include DFM, Marrakech, and FameWeek.
To continue production, the team is aiming to raise approximately R370 000 by Friday, June 20, through public contributions.
Donations start at around R650 for “friends of the film,” with co-producer credits available for contributions of R47 000 and above.
Funds will support travel to Guatemala for filming the family reunion and the completion of vérité filming in Johannesburg, pitching at key international markets, and the preservation and digitisation of Mr Gutierrez's extensive photographic archive.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve a unique archive and tell a story that is both deeply personal and part of our collective history,” Mr Gutierrez said.
To contribute, visit crowdfundr.com/thequietone