23 March 2021
Chernobyl Heart (2003)
For those who binge-watched the acclaimed HBO series Chernobyl (also streaming on Showmax), which is a dramatisation of the lead up to and the immediate impact of the 1986 nuclear accident, this short documentary is a good companion title, giving a real-life look at the devastating health consequences for the children born after the disaster.
“Chernobyl Heart” refers to a condition where babies develop a hole in their hearts. In the movie, filmmaker Maryann DeLeo and Adi Roche, the Irish founder of the organisation Chernobyl Children’s Project International, travel to towns in Belarus and Ukraine, studying the long-term health effects (from Chernobyl Heart to radiation poisoning) on children in the areas close to the former nuclear power plant.
Chernobyl Heart won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. It’s a gruelling watch, but Vulture praises it as “first-rate television”.
Youngins S2, now on Showmax
Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax
More Mzansi gold
6 strong female leads in Showmax Originals in 2024
Stream these must-see Showmax Originals that highlight strong female leads who are bold and fiercely brilliant, now streaming on Showmax.
South African
Soft Life Season 1 opens with secrets, scandals and sacrifices
Showmax Original Soft Life kicks off as Owami celebrates her 23rd birthday and gets invited to a NubiaBlaq launch party as a potential “brand ambassador”. Catch new episodes on Mondays on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Zizipho Buti on her role in Showmax Original Soft Life
Zizipho Buti talks about her most challenging yet most rewarding role as Owami in Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax.
South African
Mel Viljoen from The Real Housewives franchise on Unfollowed
Mel Viljoen opens up about the controversies surrounding her and the reasons for being on the new talk show, Unfollowed now streaming on Showmax.
South African