31 January 2018
SA highlights on Showmax in February
Local highlights on Showmax this February include:
- ’Pretville,’ Afrikaans film of the year
- African Movie Academy Awards winners ‘The Forgotten Kingdom’ and ‘A Small Town Called Descent’
- SAFTA-nominated talk show ‘Jou Show’ with Emo Adams
There’s a wealth of local and lekker South African content coming to Showmax this February, from edge-of-your-seat thrillers to Huisgenoot Tempo and Africa Movie Academy Award winning films.
Highlights include:
Pretville (due 08/02)
Named Afrikaans film of the year at the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards, Pretville is a 1950-set musical love story from the team that brought you the record-breaking box office hit Liefling, Die Movie. The film won SAFTAs for Best Production Design (Bathoni Robinson) and Best Make-up (Charlie Runge, Lee-Anne Nourse).
A Small Town Called Descent (due 08/02)
After a young Zimbabwean man is murdered in South Africa, three Scorpions arrive at a small town called Descent to investigate. Set against the backdrop of the 2008 xenophobic attacks, this is the debut film of award-winning South African director Jahmil XT Qubeka (Of Good Report) and stars the likes of SAFTA winners Vusi Kunene (IsiBaya, Soul City), Hlubi Mboya (Dora’s Peace) and Fana Mokoena (The Lab). It won Best Visual Effects at the Africa Movie Academy Awards from its six nominations.
The Borrowers (due 08/02)
The tiny borrowers live beneath the floorboards in harmony with humans, until an evil lawyer takes over the house. Well, he never reckoned on the tiny people fighting back. Starring Golden Globe nominee Stephen Fry (Bones), BAFTA nominees Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) and Robert Sheehan (Misfits), and Emmy nominee Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe), The Borrowers was shot in South Africa at Cape Town Film Studios. It’s adapted from Mary Norton’s classic children’s book.
The Forgotten Kingdom (due 12/02)
Atang (Zenzo Ngqobe) returns to a mountain village in Lesotho to bury his father. Expecting to return to the city quickly, he instead befriends an orphan herd-boy, is stirred by memories of his youth, and falls for a childhood friend, Dineo (Nozipho Nkelemba). Winner of 13 international awards, including Best Cinematography, Sound and Child Actor (Lebohang Ntsane) at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Die Ontwaking (due 19/02)
Top South African production designer Johnny Breedt (Chronicle, Eye in the Sky, Hotel Rwanda) makes his directorial debut with this dark adaptation of Chris Carsten’s acclaimed novel about a serial killer (Gys de Villiers) who collects tattoos. Channel24 hailed it as “a total game-changer for the Afrikaans movie industry… Will have you at the edge of your seat at every turn.”
Jou Show S8-10 (due 22/02)
Funnyman Emo Adams is back to host this repeat SAFTA nominee for SA’s favourite talk show, bringing with him all the fun and games, not to mention fantastic guests and spellbinding performances.
Don’t have Showmax yet?
Original African stories by local talent
Subterranea
Subterranea follows eight participants of a psychological experiment, trapped in an underground bunker. Stream from 26 September, with new episodes every Thursday.
Nai-Rich
Nai-Rich follows five influential Kenyans, giving a glimpse into the glitz and glam of their daily lives in the entertainment industry. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
False Glory
Fake Glory is a three-part documentary series that delves into those moments when sporting figures did the unthinkable for personal gain. New episodes land Mondays.
Law, Love and Betrayal
Law, Love and Betrayal follows a tough township lawyer who forces her way into a slick, family-owned firm in Sandton. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Shebeen Queens
Shebeen Queens is a reality show about the indomitable women behind popular Soweto shebeens. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Die Ondernemers
Die Ondernemers follows three entrepreneurs in the funeral business. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday on Showmax.
Dark Side of Glory
Dark Side of Glory tells the stories behind shocking cases of murder and unexplained deaths in the world of sport. Stream now on Showmax.
One Weeks
One Weeks follows Fana, a charming high-school dropout from Soweto, who can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating successful lawyer Lihle. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Love reality? Try The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice
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In episodes 33-34 of Empini, Winnie’s greatest fears come alive and Thobani blames Ndoni for what happened to Zenzele. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
Law, Love and Betrayal episode 2: The mind of the possessor
In episode 2 of Law, Love and Betrayal, Ayanda is unimpressed when she’s instructed to assist Gugu on a land claim case. New episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
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