2 December 2019
Inside The Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes (2018)
Using archive footage of the Spahn Ranch in LA – where the Manson Family lived – and new interviews with various people close to Charles Manson, this documentary manages to shed new light on the much-publicised story.
With the use of hallucinogenic drugs, Manson kept his 100 or so followers completely under his control, and eventually convinced them to commit mass murder.
But this documentary focuses on the hippie disciples and what led them to join his cult, rather than on the leader. “Manson: The Lost Tapes had the distinction, to an extent, of keeping Charles Manson…largely out of the picture,” wrote Carol Midgely in The Times (UK).
Over 100 hours of footage, some of which is featured in this two-hour film, was lost for over 40 years, and gives an authentic, chilling look at what really went on in Manson’s sordid commune.
Original African stories by local talent
Mince Jou Hare S1
Shimmy Isaacs’s laugh-out-loud sitcom about a factory worker who opens a hair salon in her home lands on Showmax on 20 May 2024.
Untying Kantai
Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Stream from 9 May, with new episodes weekly.
Big Girl Small World
Big Girl Small World follows Ciku, a plus-size woman who stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
The Roast Of Minnie Dlamini, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
Mince Jou Hare: Shimmy Isaacs on her Showmax Original sitcom
Watch the trailer for Mince Jou Hare, a feel-good, small-town sitcom, premiering 20 May 2024 on Showmax.
The Real Housewives of Durban on the upcoming reunion
The RHODurban cast share their thoughts ahead of The Real Housewives of Durban S4 reunion, hosted by MaBlerh. The reunion will air on Showmax on 15 and 22 May 2024.
The Mommy Club Season 2 episode 12 recap: Lines in the sand
In episode 12 of Showmax’s The Mommy Club, Nozipho goes to see a medium, and Hermajesty wants closure for her husband’s death.
Kristen Raath on her funniest, and most humiliating moment, on the set of Wyfie
Kristen Raath talks about her funniest and most humiliating moment on the university drama Wyfie, now streaming on Showmax.