“My f*k, Marelize” goes to the movies – viral moment becomes heartfelt film

It was the viral crash that echoed across South Africa — and now it’s hitting the big screen. Marelize Horn, the young woman behind the unforgettable “My f*k, Marelize” clip, joined HOT 1027 Drive with Pat, Tony, and Tara to chat about the moment that changed her life and the feature film it inspired.

What started as a light-hearted attempt to learn to ride a bicycle at 19 — just a day after her birthday — turned into internet fame when she rode straight into a rugby post, with her mother Heidi’s unforgettable exclamation captured on video.

“One moment you’re a child, and the next you’re viral,” Marelize laughed, recalling the infamous fall and the bike that “betrayed her.”

The interview quickly turned into a warm and funny reflection on what it’s been like living with the catchphrase — even Marelize’s mother can’t say it anymore without everyone laughing. “I see this as a win,” she joked.

But what really surprised listeners is how that small, silly moment has evolved into something much deeper — a feature-length film. Written by Bret Michael Innes and produced by Zandré Coetzer, My Fk, Marelize* is far from just a slapstick comedy. “Instead of telling my story, it tells my mom’s,” Marelize explained. “It’s about a mother learning to let go, and a daughter discovering what it means to leave the nest.”

The film premieres at the Silwerskermfees from 20 to 23 July and will hit local cinemas shortly after. And yes — Marelize can now ride a bike… on a good day… as long as there are no Teslas in sight.

“We all cried when we saw the trailer,” she said. “They’ve done such a beautiful job. And to see my shy little German mom in the spotlight — that’s been the best part of it all.”