31 May 2017
Brett Michael Innes’ #ShowmaxAddiction
Brett Michael Innes is the writer and director of the award-winning film South African film Sink, and here he tells us about the films and series that inspire and entertain him.
What are you working on at the moment that you’re excited about?
I’m in writing mode at the moment so I’m typing up a storm on the next project. My last film, Sink, just finished its cinema/TV run and walked away with the SAFTA for Best Film this year.
What made you decide to get into film/ television?
I was the kid who used to gather his siblings and friends to make “movies”. I’d film them on our old family camera and then edit them on our VHS machine, so I guess you could say it’s in my DNA.
What’s your favourite genre of series and why? Drama? Fantasy? Comedy?
I love all genres, from slapstick comedy to arthouse drama. I am, however, partial to an intellectual sci-fi or thriller.
What’s the last series you binge-watched and what did you love about it?
The Young Pope* was my last binge. Visually sumptuous with a very interesting lead character. I love the bold choices that the director made and while I think it may be a bit slow for the Fast and the Furious crowd, I think people who enjoy House of Cards or The Crown will enjoy this beautifully executed series. Veep** is my other binge. Can’t get enough of Selena Meyer’s dirty mouth!
What’s your #ShowmaxAddiction?
What classic series do you re-watch over and over and why?
Looking. I think I’m sitting on my fifth time watching the series and find that I identify with a different character each time I watch it. Heartfelt TV that doesn’t rely on explosions or spectacle to keep you watching.
What’s the one show you love watching but wouldn’t admit to anyone else?
The Real. And that’s all I’ll say about that…
What’s one classic film everyone should watch?
Jurassic Park. It is a perfect movie!
Which South African stars do you find inspiring and why?
Rolanda Marais*** is an absolutely fearless actress who I love watching. She doesn’t censor her performances and really captivates the camera in a rare way.
*The Young Pope is exclusive to Showmax. Stream or download all 10 episodes now »
Original African stories by local talent
The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.
Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
Made in Kenya
The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
Made in South Africa
The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in South AfricaKabiyesi, now on Showmax
Between Worlds, now streaming
The best of West Africa
Big Brother Naija S9: No Loose Guard
Relive all the exciting moments of BBNaija S9: No Loose Guard on Showmax, plus catch the reunion show, streaming from 24 June 2025.
Made in Nigeria
Power, passion and legacy: binge Cheta M S2 on Showmax
Executive producer and showrunner James Omokwe talks about Cheta M S2 and its dramatic finale. All the episodes are now available to binge-watch on Showmax.
Made in Nigeria
Iyanu S1
When a teenage orphan discovers she has magical powers, she embarks on a remarkable journey with her friends to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland.
Made in NigeriaCheta M Season 2: The story so far
Plot, betrayals and major twists on Cheta M Season 2, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Made in Nigeria