Mila de Villiers: From bookworm to Reënboogrant star

Mila de Villiers’s childhood dream has materialised, as she is now starring as Sunette in Showmax’s adaptation of the beloved Reënboogrant books.

The series, based on Louise van Niekerk’s bestselling 90s novels, has captured the hearts of viewers.

MILA AND THE THE REËNBOOGGRANT BOOKS

Mila’s journey with Reënboogrant started in her school library. “The books are so precious to me,” she says.

“They form a very special part of my childhood.” She recalls sneaking away during breaks. She would devour the teenage drama, as it ignited her love for reading.

Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set telenovela that centres on the Brink family, according to Showmax Stories.

Mila stars alongside Minke Marais as her sister Shani and Paul Strydom plays their older brother Dolf.

THE THE REËNBOOGGRANT SERIES

The series boasts impressive talent behind the scenes too. SAFTA winner Desiré Gardner is the head writer. André Velts leads the directing team, according to Terloops.

Sunette is a complex character. The character is smart, dedicated, and reliable.

She wants everyone to have a place in the sun, however, she also craves excitement and love. She wants to reinvent herself.

THE CHARACTER OF SUNETTE IN REËNBOOGGRANT

Mila describes Sunette as experiencing “a lot of inner conflict.” She adds, “It’s very interesting for me to carve out her path.”

“I think the reason I liked Sunette when I started reading the books is because she’s so much like me,” she explains.

“I was also a do-gooder at school.” However, she admits she doesn’t take everything as seriously as Sunette.

REËNBOOGGRANT AND THE SISTER BOND

The relationship between Sunette and Shani is central to the story. Mila praised her co-star Minke Marais, saying it was “easy to see her as Sunette’s sister.”

Their off-screen friendship also enhanced their on-screen chemistry.

“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 shines through, while Reënboogrant occupies her time, she has other aspirations, according to IMDB.

MILA’S ASPIRATIONS

She completed her drama honours degree and hopes to explore directing and writing. “I realised I am very particular about the stories I want to tell,” she says.

Working with seasoned professionals has been a highlight for her as she mentions André Velts and Desiré Gardner.

She describes it as “a privilege to bring Desiré’s text to life under André’s guidance.” The actress is also grateful to work with celebrities, as she learns so much from them.

SOUTH AFRICAN STORIES AND REËNBOOGGRANT

Reënboogrant has created a special bond among the cast and crew, as Mila raves about the filming process.

“I have never clicked so quickly and so easily with such a large group of people,” she says. “I’ve made lifelong friends during this process.”

Mila shared a memorable moment from filming.

“The first day we filmed at the school, Minke and I walked through the school in our school clothes and looked at all the Reënboogrant posters and signs,” she recounts. “That’s when everything sunk in for us.”

HAVE YOU READ THE REËNBOOGGRANT BOOKS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVOURITE?

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