Johannesburg, South Africa – This year, the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) honours the ingenuity and brilliance of South African female-owned SMME’s at the forefront of innovation in technology. The Innovator Trust, established by Vodacom more than a decade ago, has actively contributed to the development of black-owned ICT SMME’s in South Africa. The WIT platform remains one of its most impactful initiatives, dedicated to amplifying the achievements of women in technology who lead with intent and influence.
The Innovator Trust WIT 2025 Awards will take place on 20 November 2025over one day at Vodacom World (Midrand), gathering an influential audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and next-generation leaders.
The event will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, insightful keynote presentations, interactive plenary discussions, exhibitions by emerging talent in innovation and valuable networking sessions, serving as a meeting point for reflection, celebration and forward-looking dialogue.
Notably, this year marks a celebration of ten years of doing, not only through financial support, but through consistent mentorship, hands-on guidance and an unmatched sustained commitment to what it truly takes to grow women-led innovation, as women.
“Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress,” says Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust. “Research conducted by McKinsey & Co Report 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, showing that inclusion boosts business performance. Boston Consulting Group shows that startups founded or co-founded by women deliver significantly higher returns, more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested, when compared to those founded by men. The evidence is clear: investing in women delivers measurable results.”
This commitment to recognising the value of women in innovation is echoed in the calibre of voices the WIT platform has attracted.
The gravitas of WIT speakers over the years reflects the event’s national relevance. Previous line-ups have included Prof. Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa; Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President and Executive Director of UN Women; Takalani (Taki) Netshitenzhe, Vodacom South Africa: Director External and Regulatory Affairs & Chairperson Vodacom Foundation, Lillian Barnard, Chief of Enterprise Partners, Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Irene Charnley, a prominent ICT business executive and former CEO of Smile Telecoms. Such representation underscores the standing of the WIT Awards and signals the critical role this platform plays in advancing national and global development priorities.
The 2025 edition pays homage to the legacy built and the leaders forged along the way, while opening space for what comes next: new ideas, meaningful progress and a renewed commitment to building environments where women hold decision-making power and carry out the mandate to lead. Further details, including the full speaker list and programme agenda, will be announced in the weeks to come.
For more information, visit the Innovator Trust website or follow the updates on the official media channels below.
Johannesburg, South Africa – The Innovator Trust, created by Vodacom over a decade ago to foster the development of small black-owned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enterprises in South Africa, has assisted black-owned SMME ICT companies across the country and positively impacted the lives of thousands through its comprehensive programmes. This is a proud legacy shaped by strategic entrepreneurship, job creation, and the power of backing bold ideas
The Innovator Trust hosted the 2025 Enterprise Development Graduation Ceremony yesterday held at Vodacom World and celebrated entrepreneurs from the Hatch Incubator, IT Accelerator Programme (ITAP) and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP), highlighting the business grit South Africa needs. These founders have strategically leveraged revenue to drive long-term growth.
From side hustles to scalable businesses, the Innovator Trust has walked alongside over 200 entrepreneurs through every stage of growth, offering practical tools, seasoned mentorship, and strategic guidance that leads to tangible results. The outcomes speak volumes: increased turnover, stronger systems, confident leadership, and jobs created across the country.
Speaking at the graduation, Tashline Jooste, CEO Innovator Trust commented: “More than a decade has passed since Vodacom established the Innovator Trust to advance and support the transformation of SMMEs in the ICT sector. Since then, we’ve been developing our capacity and enhancing our systems to better support Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). We know that every business needs an ecosystem of support that starts with incubation. What we’re witnessing a decade down the line is the rise of industry leaders who are building the future of South Africa’s digital economy. Everyone might see this as just a graduation ceremony, but for us, it’s a very real testament of what becomes possible when one offers targeted, relevant support to SMMES.”
Delivering the keynote address at the graduation earlier today, Lungile Manzini, Executive Head of Sustainable Development, Vodacom South Africa, highlighted the need for SMMEs to be driven by purpose. “There is power in purpose-driven SMEs. Small and medium enterprises are the heartbeat of our economies. In Africa alone, SMEs account for more than 80% of jobs and contribute significantly to GDP. But their real power lies in something even more profound: agility, their proximity to communities, and the freedom to innovate boldly. When you anchor your business in a clear, socially impactful purpose -not as charity, but as strategy – you do more than survive. You thrive, sustainably.”
GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS
Setting a thought-provoking tone for the day, Siya Sangweni guided a dynamic panel discussion on the state of the SMME landscape in South Africa. Entrepreneurs candidly shared insights on challenges like cash flow issues and corporate payment delays, emphasising the importance of support beyond funding. Key elements included access to markets, skilled labour, and office space. The Innovator Trust’s tailored approach demonstrates that true impact comes from understanding and supporting SMMEs throughout their journey.
The room shifted from strategy to celebration as the beneficiary graduates took to the stage. The room answered with thunderous applause, an unmistakable show of respect for journeys and futures hard-earned. Among the many accolades, the Pinnacle Award stands out as the highest honour, recognising the entrepreneur who excels across every measure of business success.
The winner of this coveted category was Michael Cyster, Pinnacle Award Winner 2024/2025. “I’ve never chased recognition, but to be acknowledged like this is indescribable. I’ve just put my head down and worked and I’m so grateful to the Innovator Trust for seeing me and acknowledging the work we put in.”
This year’s standout achievers reflect what’s possible when entrepreneurial talent is met with the right support. Graduates and runners-up earned well-deserved recognition, with several categories awarding up to R50,000 in cash prizes to power their continued business growth.
As the Innovator Trust looks ahead, this graduation serves as a poignant reminder: when entrepreneurs are equipped with the right tools, support, and confidence, they build with purpose and build to last.
Recognised for their excellence, the award recipients include:
Award Category
SMME Name
Name & Title
Ranking
Programme
ED Top Achievers: Highest Actual Revenue for FY 2023/2024
Future Business Consulting
Loyiso Tyira – Managing Director
1st Place
ITAP
ED Top Achievers: Highest Actual Revenue for FY 2023/2024
Bona Phandle Media
Kanya Nqelenga – Managing Director
2nd Place
ITAP
ED Top Achievers: Highest Actual Revenue for FY 2023/2024
Synergy Trading & Projects
Mpumi Mahlangu – Managing Director
3rd Place
Hatch
ED Top Achievers : Highest Percentage Growth for FY 2023/2024
Bona Phandle Media
Kanya Nqelenga – Managing Director
ITAP
ED Top Employment Creator Actual for FY 2023/2024
Future Business Consulting
Loyiso Tyira – Managing Director
ITAP
ED Top Employment: Highest Percentage Growth for FY 2023/2024
Bileni Tech Solutions
Victor Ravele – Manger
ITAP
ED Pinnacle Award for FY 2023/2024
Synergy Trading & Projects
Mpumi Mahlangu – Managing Director
Hatch
ED Top Achievers: Highest Actual Revenue for FY 2024/2025
Thamani Technologies & Systems
Dr Cleopas Sanangura – Group Chief Executive Officer
1st Place
ITAP
ED Top Achievers: Highest Actual Revenue for FY 2024/2025
Enra Technologies
Raees Mukuddem – Chief Executive Director
2nd Place
Hatch
ED Top Achievers: Highest Actual Revenue for FY 2024/2025
Elec Data
Michael Cyster – Managing Director
3rd Place
ITAP
ED Top Achievers : Highest Percentage Growth for FY 2024/2025
W9 Images
Sfiso Netshandama – Head Of Production
ITAP
ED Top Employment Creator Actual for FY 2024/2025
Thamani Technologies & Systems
Dr Cleopas Sanangura – Group Chief Executive Officer
ITAP
ED Top Employment: Highest Percentage Growth for FY 2024/2025
UDY Net
Larry Smith – Executive Director
ITAP
ED Pinnacle Award for FY 2024/2025
Elec Data
Michael Cyster – Managing Director
ITAP
YEP Top Achiever: Eastern Cape
Inathi Lukuleni
YEP
YEP Top Achiever: Gauteng
Ayanda Nene
YEP
YEP Top Business Presentation: Eastern Cape
Lutho Zozo
YEP
YEP Top Business Presentation: Gauteng
Ayanda Nene
YEP
For more information, visit the Innovator Trust website or follow the updates on the official social media channels below.
[Johannesburg] 24 October 2022 – Throughout its launch across Africa, top global streaming platform Spotify has demonstrated its commitment to bolstering the careers of African creators through on- and off-platform support programmes. In line with this, the company has announced a first-of-its-kind podcast initiative on the continent, the Africa Podcast Fund, with the goal of supporting podcasters and further amplifying their stories. The $100,000 fund aims to bolster the careers of these podcast creators through financial grants, workshops and networking opportunities.
The Africa Podcast Fund is offered to select creators from African countries with the biggest podcast listenerships, namely South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. The grant also includes a Cameroonian podcast with large listenerships both in France and in Francophone African countries, such as Cote d’Ivoire. Given the wide range of selected countries, the winning podcasts are recorded in a range of languages including Pidgin, English, French, Sheng, Ga, and Twi.
The fund will be administered by Africa Podfest, a Kenyan-based company focused on inspiring and elevating African podcasters by building a sustainable and inclusive podcasting industry across Africa.
“Africa Podfest is excited about the development of podcasting in Africa particularly because the medium allows underrepresented African voices to tell the story of Africa,” says Melissa Mbugua, Co-Director, Africa Podfest.
In alphabetical order of country, the 13 recipient podcasts are:
CAMEROON
Entrepreneur, journalist and art collector Diane Audrey Ngako is the host of Si Maman M’avait Dit, which roughly translates to ‘If my mom had told me’. On her podcast, Diane Audrey gives the floor to guests, posing questions about what lessons they’ve learnt navigating their lives, careers, and relationships.
GHANA
Sincerely Accra is a popular Ghanaian podcast based on urban life in the national capital Accra. Episodes alternate between vox pops and in-studio interviews, predominantly in English with an occasional blend of Pidgin, Twi and Ga. Hosted by Joseph Nti and produced by Kwame Asante, the podcast is fast-paced and colourful, featuring a mix of personalities with exciting and varying discussions driven by current opinions and pop culture.
KENYA
The Sandwich Podcast, the podcast with the most listeners in Kenya, is hosted by four creatives: Joan, Kibz, Nyamita and Owen. Delivered in a mix of English, Swahili, and Sheng, topics on the podcast are inspired by the hosts’ life experiences and the guests they feature.
The Messy Inbetween is hosted by Murugi Munyi and Lydia Mukami, covering love, money, work, life, and advice led by lived experience and all the things that make life what it is. TMI provides a safe space for women to discuss their experiences candidly.
Mantalk.ke, hosted by Kenyan creators Eli Mwenda and Oscar Koome, recognises the need for conversations led by men on issues such as toxic masculinity, fatherhood, feminism, dating, and self care. The two hosts strive to have uncomfortable conversations, even if that means putting themselves on the spot.
Nipe Story, hosted and narrated by Kenyan writer, journalist, and queer activist Kevin Mwachiro, gives a voice to written African short stories. Mwachiro provides a platform for African writers to have their short stories heard.
NIGERIA
I Said What I Said, one of the most popular podcasts in Nigeria, is hosted by Feyikemi Abudu, an entrepreneur who is excited about helping small businesses to grow, and Jola Ayeye, a storyteller with a core interest in contemporary African culture. Each week, they dive into the Lagos Millennial experience and share their take on current happenings in Nigerian society.
Tea With Tay, hosted by Nigerian content creator Taymesan, covers societal issues and personal experiences in a fun, light-hearted and entertaining way. Taymesan hosts celebrities and other guests engaging topical conversations that spotlight his guests’ unique and intriguing stories.
F&S Uncensored covers music, pop culture and personal experiences. Hosted by Feyikemi Akin-Bankole and Simi Badiru, The podcast offers commentary on trending pop culture topics and informed opinions on how these topics affect everyday Nigerians.
SOUTH AFRICA
After School Is After School with Sis G.U, hosted by Gugulethu Nyatsumba, aims to speak more openly and honestly about the battles that Gugulethu continues to face in her 20s. The podcast seeks to foster a connection with the audience, with sharing life lessons and inspiring emotional growth.
South African podcast The Journey Kwantu, hosted by Vusumzi Ngxande, explores and questions matters around African spirituality and identity. On each episode, Vusumzi holds a conversation with a guest to dig into the most complex issues around African beliefs.
Convos & Cocktails with Lesego Tlhabi is a podcast hosted by the prominent South African satirist, best known for her character Coconut Kelz. The focus of Lesego’s podcast is candid conversations that “we, as black women, want to have… but often don’t”.
Independent emerging podcasters with growing audiences were selected as recipients for the fund, with a focus on supporting podcasts that showcase a range of voices in terms of varying podcast formats, gender, language and content. It is through initiatives such as these that Spotify’s goal of further platforming African creators on a global scale can be realised – a goal central to shifting a historically restrictive view of storytelling out of and about the continent.
• Londie London, Thobile Mseleku and Jojo Robinson join The Real Housewives of Durban for S2
• First and only on Showmax from 28 January 2022, with new episodes following every Friday
• First season broke records on Showmax and has screened in 28 territories outside of Africa
Season 2 of the Showmax Original The Real Housewives of Durban launches on 28 January 2022, with new episodes following every Friday. Showmax has just released a first look at the three new wives featured this season, who will be bringing all the class, glamour, sass, and drama we’ve come to expect from the franchise.
Londie LondonLondie London’s decision to join The Real Housewives of Durban was sparked by her return to Durban and her becoming a wife to businessman Hlubi Nkosi and mom to a ten-month-old baby boy, Uminathi. “Since I’ve become a wife, and a mother, I thought it would be a great idea for the public to see how I’m rebranding myself,” says the musician, actress and jewellery designer. “People know me as this sexy singer and I feel like they don’t really know my personality and what I’m about outside of the entertainment industry.” “Londiwe oozes class and confidence,” says Season 2 director Thumeka Hlotshana from Let It Rain Films. “She is relatable and honest when the moment calls for it, especially about the things that matter. Her favourite word, ‘Honey’, is definitely going to be the thing for the season… ‘Enjoy, honey!’” Watch:
Thobile MaKhumalo MselekuBeing married to popular polygamist Musa Mseleku, Thobile MaKhumalo Mseleku is no stranger to the public eye. In addition to her appearance on Uthando Nes’thembu, she’s a radio personality on Vuma FM and an in-demand motivational speaker, among other things. Thobile’s decision to join The Real Housewives of Durban is inspired by her desire to bring out her individuality more.
“Many people know me from Uthando Nes’thembu, and they haven’t had the opportunity to know and understand Thobile as an individual,” she says. “Wherever I go, I’m always associated with the family I’m married into, which is not a bad thing and is not something I have a problem with. However, I do have a life outside of the whole family.” Her decision was also motivated by her hunger to find like-minded women. “I need people that I can mingle with, people who inspire me and make sense to me,” she says. “I’ve already seen these women do things for themselves, which is inspiring.
They are self-driven like I am.” “Thobile is definitely a new flavour,” says Thumeka. “Not only is she already popular from her family show but she is the only wife currently in a polygamous marriage. She is from a humble village on the South Coast so The Real Housewives Of Durban is going to take her outside of her comfort zone as she tries to fit in with a group of wives living the big city dream.”
Jojo RobinsonJojo Robinson is a tattoo fanatic and artist, who is married to Durban businessman and former South African kickboxing champion Calven Robinson. They have a six-year-old son, Rocco. “I decided to join this season because I wanted to give a new perspective on the tattooed community. Often people have assumptions about people with tattoos and I wanted to flip that around and show everyone that you should never judge a book by its cover.
I also always wanted to do something in TV and thought this would be a good way to kick-start that. I love doing things that are out of my comfort zone, and I think this was the perfect space for self-growth and to create new friendships. It’s time to make the circle bigger, baby. And bring a little sugar and spice to an already amazing group of women.” “Jojo is outspoken, colourful and unapologetically herself,” says Thumeka. “Her love for art comes through in pretty much everything she does. She loves her family and friends, but is never afraid to stand up for what she thinks is right. Viewers can expect straightforward conversations and responses from Jojo. She is loud, humorous and simply fun.”
In addition, Annie Ludick, Nonkanyiso Conco, Nonku Williams and Sorisha Naidoo will all be returning for S2, as will Mabusi Seme. Season 1’s January 2021 launch set a then-record for the most first-day views on Showmax and trended on Twitter almost every Friday. Season 1 has since launched with success on NBCUniversal’s reality streaming service hayu in 28 territories outside of Africa, including the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and India. TheReal Housewives franchise is licensed as a format by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal Studio Group. Showmax is also in production on the first season of The Real Housewives of Lagos, the 16th international version of The Real Housewives format and the third to be adapted in Africa.
From award winners to box office hits, critical favourites to South African flavour
Showmax is counting down to Christmas with new festive season movies coming every day until 25 December 2021.
Here’s a taste of the highlights from this advent calendar for film fans, including some rather untraditional options that may make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the genre:
CHRISTMAS, SOUTH AFRICAN-STYLE
BOXING DAY | Stream from 23 December 2021
Unable to afford to bury their gogo, Vele and her hot-headed younger brother become amateur kidnappers on Christmas Day, taking a government minister hostage in exchange for ransom money that they want to use to be able to celebrate her life and give her a fitting farewell.
Directed by Black Brain Films co-founder Mandla N (2021 SAFTA winners Loving Thokoza and Lockdown), this multilingual comedy stars SAFTA winners Zola Nombona (Lockdown) and Hamilton Dlamini (Five Fingers For Marseilles), as well as S’thandiwe Kgoroge (Shuga) and newcomer Phumlani Magadla.
ASSEBLIEF & DANKIE | Stream from 25 December 2021
A homeless woman saves the life of a wealthy CEO, and in an unusual moment of Christmas spirit, he invites her to recover in his luxury penthouse. He laughs off her claims to be from another world – until his own starts tipping over.
Directed by SAFTA winner Tertius Kapp (Gaia, Dis Ek, Anna), this Afrikaans comedy stars Laudo Liebenberg (Black Sails, DAM), SAFTA winners Crystal-Donna Roberts (Krotoa, Arendsvlei) and Jill Levenberg (Ellen: Die Storie van Ellen Pakkies), SAFTA nominee Cintaine Schutte (Fynskrif) and Silwerskerm winner Carel Nel (Gaia, Raised by Wolves).
Asseblief & Dankie is produced by Marche Media (Kanarie).
A SAFE BET | Stream from 16 December
Pearl is the most sought after attorney in the country – at the cost of her love life. When her boyfriend dumps her just as the Christmas family gathering is around the corner, Pearl’s increasingly impatient mother drags her to church for some divine intervention. She receives a life-changing prophecy about who she’ll find her happily ever after with: a man with the surname Dlamini. But will Pearl follow her heart or the prophecy?
A Safe Bet’s stellar cast is led by actress, fashion icon and presenter Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa (Queen Sono, Rockville), with Jerry Mofokeng’s son, actor and musician Lerato Makhetha (Isidingo), Cedric Fourie (Skeem Saam, Durban Gen), and SAFTA winner Charmaine Mtinta (Scandal!, Yizo Yizo) co-starring.
A Safe Bet is directed by Weldun Media executive producer Kgosana Monchusi, who won awards at the Silicon Valley African FIlm Festival and Jozi Film Festival for his short film Opus, and was nominated for a 2020 SAFTA for The Big Secret Season 2.
SEASON’S FEELINGS | Stream from 16 December 2021
In Season’s Feelings, on their way to a not-so-conventional Christmas party, a band of outsiders collide with themselves and each other as they try to figure out quarter-life, half-loves and family.
Co-directed by 2021 SAFTA winner Jozua Malherbe (Griekwastad) and Nagvlug Films co-owner Zandré Coetzer, the young adult comedy co-stars Natalie Robbie and Zandile Lujabe (Ayeye, Isidingo).
Season’s Feelings is produced by Nagvlug Films (Skemerdans, Barakat).
NATIVITY | Stream from 24 December 2021
In Nativity, a group of well-intentioned community members tries to produce an amateur Christmas show to save their community hall.
The feature film directorial debut of Fleur du Cap-nominated actress Bianca Flanders (Troukoors [Wedding Fever],Address Unknown), Nativity co-stars the likes of SAFTA nominee David Isaacs (Hotel, Dwaalster) and 2021 SAFTA winner June van Merch (Sara Se Geheim).
The Christmas comedy is produced by Nagvlug Films (Skemerdans, Barakat).
EVE’S CHRISTMAS | Stream from 24 December 2021
In Eve’s Christmas, two feuding siblings, Carl and Eve, are forced to face their differences when Carl’s son asks (in a prayer) that Eve come to visit for Christmas. This sets in motion some seriously comical (and bittersweet) events involving a toy, Father Christmas, and maybe even honouring their father’s dying wish.
Co-directed by Ephraim Gordon (co-director of Skemerdans and producer of Barakat) and Marvin-Lee Beukes (Die Bylactor; One Night Kwa Mxolisi writer), this comedy-with-heart co-stars Juliette Pauling (Tali’s Baby Diary) and Mark Elderkin (Reyka, Black Sails).
Eve’s Christmas is produced by Nagvlug Films (Skemerdans, Barakat).
THE AWARD-WINNERS
CAROL | Stream now
Carol is at #9 on Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the best Christmas films of all time. As Indiewire says, “There are few better Christmas film images than the sight of Rooney Mara in a Santa Claus hat. Todd Haynes’ Carol weaves such an intense romantic spell that it’s really the only film you need to watch during the holiday season.”
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara were nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively at the 2016 Oscars for their roles in Carol, a powerful drama about a married woman in 1950s New York, who risks everything when she embarks on a romance with a younger department store worker. Carol, which was also nominated for Oscars for Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Costume Design, and Score, won 79 awards worldwide and was recently named the fourth best LGBTQIA+ movie of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, where it has a 94% critics’ rating.
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt and directed by Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven, Mildred Pierce), Carol also stars Emmy winners Sarah Paulson (Ratched, American Crime Story, American Horror Story) and Kyle Chandler (Bloodline, Friday Night Lights, Super 8), as well as Screen Actors Guild Award nominee Jake Lacy (The White Lotus, The Office).
Little White Lies calls Carol “one of the most beautiful love stories ever told”, while The Telegraph praises the “career-best performance from Cate Blanchett” and The Evening Standard calls the film a “masterpiece.”
ONCE UPON A SESAME STREET CHRISTMAS | Stream now
There’s no place more magical than Sesame Street – especially during the holidays! Join Elmo, Grover, Big Bird and their friends for the magical, musical 50-minute special Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas, in whichElmo’s father tells him a bedtime story about the time, way back, when joy, kindness and caring first came to Sesame Street.
The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Programme and has 4/5 stars on Common Sense Media, where they recommend it for ages 4+, calling it “a sweet story about holiday spirit and… an excellent reminder of the value of even the smallest acts of kindness. Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas is lively, spirited holiday entertainment that’s great for families to enjoy together…. While Christmas gets the biggest billing in the story, many characters make references to other timely holidays like Kwanzaa and Hanukkah and the traditions that go along with them.”
Special guests include Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner Audra McDonald (The Good Fight), Emmy-winning comedian Jim Gaffigan (Hotel Transylvania 3), and Zosia Mamet (The Flight Attendant).
“Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three,” until he’s taken further and further away from home on an epic adventure across the seasons. He runs from a playful dog, gets thrown in a river, escapes from a swan’s nest, and even ends up on top of a fire, as he tries to get back to his family in time for Christmas.
Animated in Cape Town by Triggerfish and co-directed by South African Daniel Snaddon (Zog, The Snail and the Whale), this 27-minute BBC One Christmas special by Magic Light Pictures (The Gruffalo, Revolting Rhymes) won the top prizes at leading animation festivals like Annecy and Kidscreen, among others.
Based on the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Stick Man is voiced by the likes of Martin Freeman (Black Panther, The Hobbit) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), with Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous) narrating.
Also look out for the Oscar-nominated animation The Polar Express, about a young boy’s magical Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole.
THE CRITICAL FAVOURITES
THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS | Stream now
Teen Choice winner Dan Stevens (Downtown Abbey) stars as Charles Dickens, while the late, great Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music) is Scrooge in The Man Who Invented Christmas, about the creation of A Christmas Carol, the timeless tale that redefined Christmas.
The Man Who Invented Christmas is at #25 on Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the best Christmas films of all time. As the critics’ consensus there says, “The Man Who Invented Christmas adds holiday magic to the writing of A Christmas Carol, putting a sweetly revisionist spin on the story behind a classic yuletide tale.”
A CHRISTMAS FEAST | Stream now
A warm slice of life story that follows a large Italian family on Christmas Eve, A Christmas Feast (aka Feast of the Seven Fishes) has an 88% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes – a Christmas miracle for a Christmas film.
Rising star Skyler Gisondo (The Righteous Gemstones, Booksmart), Madison Iseman (Jumanji: The Next Level), and Addison Timlin (Fallen) star alongside the likes of Joe Pantoliano (The Matrix, Memento) and Ray Abruzzo (The Sopranos, The Practice).
The Los Angeles Times calls A Christmas Feast “charming and heartfelt”, adding that the film has “the familial warmth of a holiday classic, the aching earnestness of a teen rom-com, and the well-observed specificity of a good regional film.”
THE BLOCKBUSTERS
LAST CHRISTMAS | Stream now
Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians), Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Emma Thompson (Years and Years) star for director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) in the romantic comedy Last Christmas.
Kate (Clarke) harrumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop.
Tom (Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through so many of Kate’s barriers. As London transforms for the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may; you gotta listen to your heart.
Last Christmas features new music from Grammy winner George Michael, as well as his bittersweet holiday classic of the film’s title. The film was the 62nd biggest box office hit of 2019.
OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY | Stream now
When his uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand…
Office Christmas Party stars Emmy winners Jennifer Aniston (Friends, The Morning Show), Jason Bateman (Ozark), Courtney B. Vance (Lovecraft Country), Rob Corddry (Ballers), and Kate McKinnon (Bombshell,Ghostbusters), as well as the likes of Critics’ Choice winner T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley), Kids’ Choice nominee Olivia Munn (The Newsroom) and Critics’ Choice Super nominee Abbey Lee (Lovecraft Country, Mad Max: Fury Road).
The New York Times calls it “naughty, inappropriate fun.”
A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS | Stream now
As if creating a perfect holiday for their families wasn’t hard enough, our three under-appreciated and over-burdened moms now have to do it all while entertaining their own mothers, who have dropped in unexpectedly.
A Bad Moms Christmas reunites People’s Choice winner Kristen Bell (The Good Place), People’s Choice nominee Mila Kunis (Black Swan), and Emmy nominee Kathryn Hahn (Mrs. Fletcher) as the bad moms, with Emmy winner Christine Baranski (The Good Fight), Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (Ray Donovan) and Emmy nominee Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) as their mothers.
The Guardian calls it a “an entertaining film largely unconcerned about good taste and where, or if, an apostrophe should go in the title…a silly, sentimental and very funny follow-up.”
CHRISTMAS: THE ACTION MOVIE?
FATMAN| Stream now
Oscar winner Mel Gibson (Mad Max, Braveheart) stars as a rowdy, unorthodox Santa Claus who must contend with a hitman sent by a spoiled kid, who’s looking for revenge after receiving a lump of coal for Christmas.
Oscar nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies, Without a Trace, Homecoming) and Emmy nominee Walton Goggins (Ant-Man and the Wasp, The Righteous Gemstones, Justified) co-star.
The Australian calls this Christmas action film “one of the weirdest movies you will ever see.”
Alternatively, you can catch Mel in Lethal Weapon, dubbed “the most relatable holiday action film in the blood-stained Christmas canon” by Den of Geek.
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