A documentary on Oscar Gutierrez's journey

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.

- ERIN CARELSE

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 every-day 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.