23 August 2019
Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story (2018)
Lavender Hill resident Ellen Pakkies went to hell and back in 2007, making headlines around the world for murdering her druggie son Abie. It’s retold in the fantastically gritty, deep and poignant 2018 movie Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story, now on Showmax.
The biographical drama reveals the truth behind Ellen’s mercy killing, which she says she did not only out of her love for Abie (because he was killing himself) but to protect herself: in his tik-fuelled rage, Ellen (played by Jill Levenberg) feared her son (played by Jarrid Geduld) would rape her.
The story captivated producer Daryne Joshua (Noem My Skollie) and he got to work writing the screenplay. Fearing he wouldn’t get enough “essence” and to help Jill with her portrayal, Daryne consulted the real Ellen. Likewise, Jarrid embarked on a difficult calorie-restricted diet to lose enough weight to look like a drug addict whose body is ravaged by its only craving. Plus, Ellen allowed the production permission to film in her actual house, including the room where she murdered her son – how’s that for authenticity?
The supporting cast reads like the who’s who in SA’s soapie world: Ilse Klink (Isidingo), Clint Brink (Binnelanders), Russel Savadier (The Wild) and Amrain Ismail-Essop (Die Testament) all pop up. And local and international critics have embraced the drama with open arms: it took home trophies at the 2018 SilwerskermFees, the 2018 SAFTAs and it was selected for the Rotterdam International Film Festival and Seattle International Film Festival.
“We had our international premiere at Rotterdam and it was amazing. We sold out all three screenings over two days,” says Daryne.
You’ve been warned: The Ellen Pakkies Story is dark, tragic, traumatic and it will pull at your heartstrings.
Ama Grootman S1 on Showmax
The Real Housewives of Durban S5, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
Showmax and DStv celebrate the legacy of Presley Chweneyagae
Relive Presley Chweneyagae’s breakout role in the Oscar-winning Tsotsi on Showmax or DStv Stream from 9pm on 6 June, on M-Net at the same time, or in the following days on Mzansi Magic and M-Net Movies Channel 4. Plus the finale of Cobrizi, with Presley in a fan-favourite role, lands on Sunday, 8 June on Mzansi Magic.
South African
Binnelanders S8-14
Binnelanders, an Afrikaans soapie set in and around a fictional private hospital, follows the trials and trauma of the staff and patients.
Made in South Africa
Showmax announces The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad reunion
Leandie du Randt is set to host The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad reunion, premiering on Showmax in two parts on 27 June and 4 July 2025.
South African
Summertide S1
An exhilarating South African multi-generational drama following the Field family and those who cross their paths – each with their own secrets and desires.
Made in South Africa