10 May 2017
Cindy Swanepoel’s #ShowmaxAddiction
Cindy Swanepoel plays Dr Annelize Roux in Binnelanders. Here, she tells us more about her TV addictions and habits.
What are you working on at the moment that you’re excited about?
At the moment I only have time for Annelize Roux, and whatever the Binnelanders writing team comes up with for her. She is such a sneaky vixen that I am totally under her spell. I am also doing radio dramas, of which Hartebreker (on RSG) is currently the one to listen to every day (at 09:50).
What made you decide to get into television in the first place?
I never thought that I would be on a daily drama, as I never really thought I had the face for it. I was so fixated on theatre, that I never really allowed myself to go to a different medium – but then Ballade vir n Enkeling (the 2015 movie, in which I played Meisie Moolman) changed my viewpoint on the subject. And with the movie, came opportunity – and I grabbed it, and ran with it. And look at me now…
What’s the last series you binge-watched?
Westworld. The series makes you wonder about the life that we lead, and whether or not it is real. I love a good series that makes you take stock of your own life, and its reality.
What classic series do you rewatch over and over and why?
Friends. Comedy has always been one of my huge passions, and in Friends, it is taken to a new level. Their comic timing is impeccable, and the script is a joyride of giggles and gags. I really hope that one day I will be part of a series that is so timeless in its observation of the human spirit – and that it will be something that everyone would want to watch, again and again.
What’s your #ShowmaxAddiction?
What’s your favourite childhood show from South Africa?
Wielie Walie. I have a passion for puppetry too, and Sarel Seemonster and Karel Kraai were the beacons of light and hope in my life. One day, I want to create characters of that calibre too.
What’s the one show you love watching but wouldn’t admit to anyone else?
The Bachelor. I am not the classic rom-com girl, but there is something amazing about watching someone either fall in love, or stab someone in the back without any excuses. Reality is eye opening, ugly in its beauty.
What’s one classic film every one should watch?
Muriel’s Wedding. Toni Colette is a comedic genius, and I love Australian comedy – it is very appealing to the South African palate.
Original African stories by local talent
The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream from 30 May on Showmax, 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 Africa
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
The Mommy Club S1-3
The Mommy Club sees glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the the cutthroat world of “it” moms. Stream S3 now, with new episodes every Saturday.
Made in South Africa
Adulting S1-3
Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. Binge-watch Adulting S1-3 now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
The Chocolate Empire S1
The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, who was recently released from prison, as he rebuilds his life. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in KenyaThe best movies to stream
Widow Clicquot and 10 more sparkling biopics: Life writes the plot
Get ready to pop the cork on some vintage storytelling with the tale of how Widow Clicquot revolutionised French wine-making, then check out our menu for 10 more sparkling movies about real people.
Mother’s Day? Make it Mothers’ May
One day is not enough for the woman who does it all! Come check out 10 of our wildly different moms on Showmax, from Bridget Jones, to Halle Berry, to Helen Zille.
Boy Kills World and 5 more deliciously deadly action flicks
Looking for some blood-soaked action, gun-fu, laughs and hit-the-replay fight scenes? We’ve got you. Come try Boy Kills World and 5 more films that are just killing it!
An easy guide to 10 alien invasions
From Teacup’s Assassins and Harbingers, to A Quiet Place’s Death Angels, we break down what to expect when aliens take an interplanetary holiday to raise hell on Earth.