Mila de Villiers is living the dream she had as a child, now starring as Sunette in the highly anticipated Showmax series based on the beloved Reënboogrant books.
The series, inspired by Louise van Niekerk’s popular novels from the 90s, has captured the hearts of many viewers.
Mila’s Journey with Reënboogrant Began in Her School Library
For Mila, Reënboogrant is more than just a role; it’s a piece of her childhood.
She recalls discovering the books in her school library, where they became a treasured part of her young life.
“The books are so precious to me,” she shares, explaining how she would sneak away during school breaks to immerse herself in the teenage drama that sparked her love for reading.
The Reënboogrant series, set in Tshwane, follows the Brink family, with Mila playing the role of Sunette, a character she deeply connects with.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings Reënboogrant to Life
The series has an incredible team behind it, with SAFTA-winning Desiré Gardner as the head writer and André Velts directing the project.
Mila stars alongside Minke Marais, who plays her sister Shani, and Paul Strydom, who portrays their older brother Dolf. Together, they bring the story of the Brink family to life.
Sunette: A Complex Character with a Deep Inner Conflict
Mila describes Sunette as a smart, reliable, and dedicated character who struggles with balancing her desire for stability with her craving for excitement and love.
She’s someone who wants to reinvent herself, which adds depth to the character. “Sunette has a lot of inner conflict,” Mila explains.
“It’s very interesting for me to carve out her path.”
Mila felt an immediate connection with Sunette, saying, “I think the reason I liked Sunette when I started reading the books is because she’s so much like me.”
She recalls being a do-gooder at school, though she adds with a smile that she doesn’t take everything quite as seriously as Sunette does.
The Special Sister Bond Between Sunette and Shani
The relationship between Sunette and Shani is a central element of the series, and Mila shares great chemistry with her co-star, Minke Marais.
“It was easy to see her as Sunette’s sister,” Mila says, noting that their strong off-screen friendship naturally enhances their on-screen connection.
“Minke and I also live together now, so I feel like we operate as sisters, and that helps on set,” Mila adds.
Mila’s Passion for Acting and Future Aspirations
While Reënboogrant keeps Mila busy, she has big plans for the future.
She recently completed her drama honors degree and has set her sights on exploring directing and writing.
“I realized I am very particular about the stories I want to tell,” she says.
Working alongside seasoned professionals like André Velts and Desiré Gardner has been a highlight for Mila.
“It’s a privilege to bring Desiré’s text to life under André’s guidance,” she shares, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with such talented people.
A Deep Connection to South African Stories and Reënboogrant
Mila speaks fondly of the filming experience and the bond formed with her co-stars and crew.
“I’ve never clicked so quickly and so easily with such a large group of people,” she says, noting how Reënboogrant has helped her form lasting friendships.
One of her favorite memories from filming was walking through the school set with Minke, dressed in their school uniforms, and seeing all the Reënboogrant posters and signs.
“That’s when everything sunk in for us,” Mila recalls, a moment she’ll never forget.