Acclaimed filmmaker Etienne Fourie has published his debut children's book, 'InterVille', a project he conceived 17 years ago. The story centres on 12-year-old Patrick, who discovers a gateway to magical worlds while attending a summer camp for eccentric children. Fourie drew substantial inspiration from his childhood growing up along the Eastern Cape coast and his lifelong friendships. A key message of the book is embracing personal quirks and self-consciousness, such as allergies, as unique strengths.
Fourie, 38, grew up in St Francis, Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp before completing an honours degree in screenwriting and directing at AFDA in Cape Town. He is best known as the writer of Showmax series 'Trompoppie' and the movie 'Windpomp'. Fourie says writing 'InterVille' has been on the cards for 17 years and transports young readers to impossible worlds filled with terrifying creatures. The book includes strong themes of kindness and inclusion, and is about the irritation of allergies.
Fourie wanted to take something a child might find embarrassing or regard as a weakness and turn it into something extraordinary. He says, “Patrick’s allergy causes endless chaos, but it also has the potential to become a kind of superpower. Many of the qualities we feel most self-conscious about when we’re young can eventually become assets.” The book is planned as a five-part series, with Fourie also penning a new young adult trilogy and developing international screen projects.
Growing up in the Eastern Cape had a massive impact on 'InterVille' and Fourie's writing. He was lucky enough to make wonderful friends, including Muller, who taught him the power of leaning into what makes us unique. Fourie carried this with him and tried to capture some of that joy in 'InterVille'. The Eastern Cape coast, where he vividly remembers the smell of the ocean and fynbos, shaped his love for storytelling.
Fourie's experience growing up on the coast influenced his work ethic, with tourist season shaping his professional rhythms. He always believed that the moment he stops writing what he genuinely cares about is the moment he stops writing. Fourie wrote 'InterVille' because he wanted to recapture the feeling of being a child, when the world seemed full of endless possibilities and something magical might be waiting.
The 'InterVille' story was born out of a desperate desire to escape adulthood, which Fourie believes is a scam. He drew on his own childhood experiences when developing the characters in 'InterVille', particularly the dynamic between the core group of characters known as the “Groaks”. These friendships taught Fourie that the “coolest” thing you can do is often simply to be yourself.
Young readers can expect a world of wonder and magic in 'InterVille', where Patrick receives the worst birthday present – real-life experience at a summer camp for “stubbornly unique” individuals. Camp Crooked Creek Canyon is a mosquito-infested wilderness night, where Patrick's electricity allergy makes it impossible for him to come near technology. The book celebrates kindness, inclusion, and embracing personal quirks.
Key points
- Etienne Fourie's debut children's book 'InterVille' is a five-part series celebrating kindness and quirkiness.
- The book is inspired by Fourie's childhood growing up along the Eastern Cape coast and his lifelong friendships.
- A key message of the book is embracing personal quirks and self-consciousness, such as allergies, as unique strengths.
