Posts in Category: Television
Showmax Premieres First-Time Director’s Film at Joburg Film Festival
Showmax premieres first-time director’s film at Joburg Film Festival, and announces slate
• Bare-knuckle boxing film Musangwe has its world premiere at JFF, ahead of 22 March 2024 release on Showmax
• Showmax announces more movies in development from first-time film directors
Musangwe has its world premiere at JFF
The Showmax Original film Musangwe will have its world premiere at the Joburg Film Festival.
Takalani Masevhe wants to become a champion boxer but keeps trying to shortcut the process. While visiting his ailing grandmother in Venda, he discovers musangwe, a bare-knuckle boxing competition. Can he take the title, and the love of Lufuno, from Matome, the reigning champ?
Wiseman Zitha (Entangled) stars as Takalani, with Mulisa Mudau (Muvhango) as Lufuno and Tiisetso Thoka (The Herd) as Matome. Also look out for Africa Movie Academy Award nominee Millicent Makhado (Muvhango), Phophi Mudau (Skeem Saam), Elsie Rasalanavho (Muvhango), and Khathu Litshani, well-known on TikTok as DJ Khathu.
Produced by The Milton Empire (Intlawulo, Mzali Wam),Musangwe is the debut feature film from Lufuno Nekhabambe, who was part of the SAFTA-winning directing team on Gomora and was also nominated twice for his work on Isithembiso.
Musangwe screens at 17h30 on Wednesday, 28 February 2024 at Theatre-on-the-Square in Sandton before coming to Showmax on Friday, 22 March 2024.
Watch the trailer:
Showmax announces more films in development from first-time directors
At last year’s edition, in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival, Showmax shared an open call for a slate of African movies from first-time directors, which led to 296 submissions from the four eligible countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
These submissions were then whittled down by a panel made up of Showmax’s executive head of content, Allan Sperling; Joburg Film Festival curator Nhlanhla Ndaba; MultiChoice content executives Jakki Anyanzwa, Sanele Shibe, Victor Aghahowa and Wikus du Toit; and award-winning independent filmmakers Femi Odugbemi for West Africa, Njoki Muhoho for East Africa and Pat van Heerden for South Africa. The jury was chaired by Cheryl Uys-Allie, the former Africa director for the MultiChoice Talent Factory film academies in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia.
The films currently in development for Showmax are:
• Adam, a drama from South African writer Winford Collings and director Liyema Speelman. A headstrong teenager clashes with his idealistic teacher at a farm school.
• Bet I Love You, a comedy from Nigerian writer-director Joseph Duke. After losing a bet, Akin tries to get the money he was given for his sister’s wedding back in time for her ceremony.
• Bobo, a crime drama from Kenyan director Maurice Muendo. A promising runway model puts her career in jeopardy when she falls in love with a criminal.
• Finding Optel, a whimsical detective story from South African directors Mikayla Brown and Jesse Brown. A teen detective is determined to find her neighbourhood’s missing dog, Optel, but the search opens old wounds about her brother’s disappearance seven years before.
• Kites, a comedy from South African writer-director Menzi Mzimela. Sihle offered to drive his DJ friends to their gigs – not a body to the hospital…
• Pretty’s Daughter, a teen drama from South African writer-director Siphokazi Mtila. While Sine struggles with her “new” mother, she has to navigate the treacherous waters of her posh new school, mean girls, crushes and what it really means to be yourself when you don’t recognise who that is.
• Perfect Match, a romcom from South African director Mphomotseng Hoelejane. When a lobola mishap upturns his perfect plans, under-pressure Muzi Nyathi teams up with a sassy swindler to prove himself to his family, but they both get more than they bargained for.
• Pheletso, a thriller from South African writer-director Zack Ntombeni, about a fatal collision that rips two families apart
• Race to Liberty – The Accountant, a thriller from Ghanaian writer-director Nathaniel Nicholai Williams, about an accountant with a gambling addiction that leaves him in debt to a drug kingpin.
“First-time feature film directors like Mandla N and Kelsey Egan got their break on Showmax, with Loving Thokoza earning Mandla the SAFTA for Made-for-TV Movie and Kelsey’s Glasshouse becoming the most awarded feature film overall at the SAFTAs, with five Golden Horns,” says Sperling. “So we’ve consistently seen the benefits of opening up the industry and empowering first-time filmmakers to tell the stories of their communities in their own languages, across a variety of styles.”
The films are all currently in further development, with the first-time directors paired with experienced production companies and executive producers.
The industry programme at this year’s Joburg Film Festival will open with a panel on the process so far, at 10am on Wednesday, 28 February 2024 at Sandton Convention Centre.
MultiChoice commissioning editor Lidudumalingani Sikupela will moderate the conversation between Uys-Allie, du Toit, Shibe, and some of the first-time directors.
Adulting S2: Wedding pics of Bongani and Nkanyezi
Whoever thought that Bongani “Sex Machine” Tembe would tie the knot? Well, here we are in the final episode ofAdulting S2.
While he almost did not make it to the altar, Bongani Tembe (Thembinkosi Mthembu) finally decides to be a one-woman-man. But not without a bit of a push in the right direction by his friends Eric, Mpho and Vuyani.
After engaging in a rendezvous with two other women the night before his wedding day, a hungover Bongani wakes up to the realisation that marriage might not be on the cards for him. And while the gents’ friendship has been rocky this season, the boys make sure that their friend makes an honest woman out of Nkanyezi, played by Londeka Sishi.
“Gents, think about it – every time I love a woman, I sleep with her and then the relationship just ends,” says Bongani.
But after much convincing and even a right-hook punch to the chin by Eric, Bongani comes to his senses and meets Nkanyezi at the altar.
“I’m sorry, my love, I’ve taken time to think about things and I’ve decided that I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” says Bongani at the end of the episode.
Could this be it? Is Bongani retiring his player jersey for a more stable life with Nkanyezi?
Adulting was one of Showmax’s ten most-streamed local shows of 2024 in South Africa, along with another Tshedza production, Outlaws. The production house also kicked off the new year with its third Showmax Original, Youngins,which is currently releasing three new episodes every Thursday.
Binge-watch all 13 episodes of Adulting S2 now on Showmax.
Join the conversation:
#adultingshowmax
Showmax Original documentary series The Illuminated
• The Illuminated is a documentary series exploring different South African beliefs
• Episodes cover Israelvisie; The Church of Scientology; Christ In Me Collective; network marketing businesses and corporate transformational coaching; KwaSizabantu; new evangelical churches; Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries; The Fellowship in Hermanus; and Matthew Naidoo’s influence over the Lotter siblings
• Produced by POP24
• Premiering on 6 March 2024
Showmax has just dropped the trailer for The Illuminated, a documentary series exploring different South African beliefs.
The series starts with Israelvisie. As Japie van Zyl, aka Boerseun van Migdol on social media, says in The Illuminated, “There are many different denominations but the one thing we have in common is that we all believe we are the direct descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the actual descendants of the 12 tribes of Israel.”
Subsequent episodes focus on The Church of Scientology; Christ In Me Collective; network marketing businesses and corporate transformational coaching, which have some similarities with religious groups; KwaSizabantu; new evangelical churches; Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries; and The Fellowship in Hermanus.
The series finale explores how extreme religious beliefs can drive people to commit horrific acts, through the story of Hardus and Nicolette Lotter. The Lotters were convicted of murdering their parents at the encouragement of Nicolette’s boyfriend, Matthew Naidoo, who the court found had manipulated the siblings into believing he was the third son of God.
Freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa, and, in the 2022 Census, only 2.9% of the population reported that they had no religious affiliation. While over 80% of South Africans identify as Christian, there are many other faiths active in our country, each with their own unique perspectives. Even within religious movements emerging from Christianity, there are often significant differences, as The Illuminated makes clear.
“There’s a saying that you shouldn’t talk about religion or politics in polite company,” says series director Wynand Louw, head of content at POP24. “But growing up around religion is something that almost all South Africans have in common.”
Each episode aims for an insider view from leaders, members and former members. As Christ In Me Collective founder Xandre Strydom says in the trailer, “This is the first time in 13 years that the media is giving us the opportunity to speak.”
Each episode also talks to theologians, who place the movements within their broader contexts.
The Illuminated is produced by POP24, the production company behind true-crime series like Imibuzo and Huisgenoot Ware Lewensdramas. POP24 also produced reality series like This Body Works For Me, The Mommy Club, and Bae Beyond Borders, which were in the top 10 most-watched local titles on Showmax in 2023.
The Showmax Original premieres on 6 March 2024, with new episodes on Wednesdays.
Watch the trailer:
Join the conversation:
#theilluminatedshowmax
Maria Valaskatzis is here for closure and clarity in #RHODurban S4
Making her debut on The Real Housewives of Durban S3, Maria Valaskatzis caught the attention of many viewers with her charm, fabulousness and slick nature.
In the reunion episode of Season 3 we also saw an emotional Maria walk off set after expressing her disappointment in how her friendships suddenly fell through. Which begs the question, why return for a fourth season?
“I’m someone that hates leaving things unfinished, I like answers. For me to have closure in anything in my life I need to have answers – whether I get it or not is neither here nor there, as long as I try. This season for me is all about getting the answers for my healing and trying to understand what went wrong. But in all, I’m really looking forward to this season, this season could be great! I mean, would I have decided to come if I was afraid? It would be a stupid reason not to because one of my biggest things in life is to get over fear. And so here we are, it is what it is and we will see where the season goes. Maybe I’ll be great, maybe I will heal, maybe I will carry more trauma, maybe I will cause drama, who knows!? But I’m here.”
Many of the new and returning cast members do speak fondly of their journey towards healing, which is something Maria is also going through.
“I’m very happy with my healing process. However, I don’t believe that there is complete healing – I think there is still a lot of communication and discourse between the ladies and myself that needs to happen. But the first step has been taken, and that is the most important part.”
And like an experienced Real Housewives cast member, Maria has a message for the new cast: “My message would be to practise discernment. Form your own opinion and don’t carry someone else’s battle because things can get tricky if you do so. I’d also advise them to be strong and to stand their ground because we’re a tough crowd,” says Maria.
And if you’re wondering if she and Ruan Scheepers (friend in Season 3) have buried the hatchet, well, maybe.
“Ruan and I are in a better place. I don’t think our friendship will ever be the way it was but we’re cordial with each other and I’ll leave it at that,” says Maria.
In Season 4, Maria will also lift the veil on her marriage and motherhood as she introduces her son (Alex) into her professional world as an entrepreneur. But she’d like viewers to know that in this season, she is going to be “spicy as hell!”
“I will not take nonsense from anyone and if I’m going to talk about you, I’m also going to tell you what I said straight to your face, so I ain’t afraid to communicate.”
Catch Maria Valaskatzis on The Real Housewives of Durban Season 4 streaming every Wednesday on Showmax.
The Real Housewives franchise is distributed internationally by NBC Universal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Showmax is also home to The Real Housewives of Lagos, Abuja and Nairobi.
Join the conversation:
#RHODurban
Red Ink: “She is the bravest young woman I’ve ever played” Nqobile Nunu Khumalo on Lucy
SAFTA nominee Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (Nqobile, The Herd) stars in the Showmax Original Red Ink, which premiered on 9 February 2024. The eight-part thriller is based on Angela Makholwa’s best-selling debut novel of the same name.
She plays journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story. Lucy jumps at the opportunity to reclaim her dream of being an acclaimed author, but the more she descends into the mind of a killer, the more she uncovers a criminal conspiracy that puts her life at risk.
Had you read Red Ink before stepping into this role?
I didn’t know about the book before I was asked to audition but I quickly found out in my research how popular and loved the book is, among Black women especially.
What was the most difficult part of portraying this role?
Lucy Khambule has many important relationships in her life. Engaging fully with each of them while maintaining emotional continuity required a lot of focus and required me to always be 100% in the moment with each character.
You are very intentional about the roles you take. What made you say “yes” to this project?
I love adventure, risk and the opportunity to learn something new about myself and the world I live in – things I knew I would be able to do with this character. Lucy Khambule’s journey is one I have great gratitude for being a part of.
This role comes with a lot of emotional strain. Are there any moments from set that were emotionally challenging and how did you work around them?
Lucy Khambule’s “relationship” with Napoleon was the most difficult to engage in. It required a lot of research and self-exploration to find the place where I could believably create a “Lucy” that would pursue the offer made by Napoleon the way she did.
What message do you hope people will take away from her character?
I believe Lucy’s best characteristic is courage. She is the bravest young woman I’ve ever played, and I love how she always acknowledges things for what they are in this moment of her life. She just has this, “Screw it, let’s do it” thing about her that I dig but that also scares me, to be honest.
You’ve played emotionally taxing roles, like Hlengiwe in Scandal; Nqobile in Nqobile; and now Lucy in Red Ink. What lessons did you draw from each character? Did you have to borrow traits from previous roles?
Lucy would have been the big sister in the other roles I played. She is much further along in development. If they existed in the same world, Lucy would have been an inspiration to those characters. They are in very different places in their lives; the stakes are much higher for Lucy.
Throughout the season, we’re going to see your character navigate dangerous territories in her life where she’s less in control. As an actress, how do you shed off the abuse that the character goes through when you are off set?
I’ve tackled storylines that involve themes of GBV and femicide before, and I think similarly in previous cases, I don’t shed anything off. It’s more of a case of incorporating all my life’s realities into the picture and finding a way to accept the multiple truths that exist for me. As a survivor of GBV, I accept that telling these stories is a part of my ministry and that it’s not something I have to erase after I engage in the material. It is a reality for many. The fact that I am a part of the performance doesn’t give me the privilege of pretending it’s not true. Art is imitating life here – life for many South Africans living in this country.
How important is it to tell our homegrown stories as South Africans?
It’s important for us to see ourselves reflected in the entertainment industry, films, series, and documentaries we watch and the books we read. The industry on a global level is very western-dominated but there is an abundance of local talent and storytellers that have a unique voice. South Africans love local content. It should encourage industry and government to invest more in local storytellers.
Red Ink is a partnership between Makholwa’s Britespark Films and Bomb Productions. This marks the first Showmax Original from Bomb, who made DStv’s most-watched drama ever, Shaka ILembe, as well as classics like Venice winner Yizo Yizo, Oscar nominee Mandela, Sundance winner Amandla: A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony and SAFTA winners like Isibaya.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVO8JP7cC7I
Join the conversation: #RedInkShowmax