Subjects of Desire (2021)
A top 10 audience favourite at HotDocs, Subjects of Desire is a timely documentary film that examines the cultural shift in North American beauty standards towards embracing Black female aesthetics and features.
Subjects of Desire is told from the point of view of women who aren’t afraid to challenge conventional beauty standards, featuring the likes of four-time Grammy winner India Arie, Canada's Queen of R&B Jully Black, and former Miss Black America winners like activist Brittany Lee Lewis and tech entrepreneur Ryann Richardson.
Subjects of Desire has a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with RogerEbert.com saying it’s “an eye-opening and powerful analysis of the history of beauty with regards to Black women,” and Variety calling it, “An invigorating opportunity to showcase Black women negotiating their own terms of engagement with the beauty ideal.”
More like this
South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)
An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.
Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1
Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.
Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in
The two-part documentary series Brakpan Chronicles, by Rian van Heerden and Provoco, will premiere soon on Showmax.
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025)
This intimate and uplifting documentary explores Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Wizkid's rise to superstardom as one of the biggest Afrobeats artists.
Helderberg S1
South Africa suffered its worst air disaster in 1987. The hunt for the truth about what happened to SAA Flight 295 is still on almost 40 years later.
Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)
This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.
Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
Latest Stories
Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor
A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch
Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2
Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
What to watch on Showmax in January 2026
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
Die Kwiksilwers (2024)
Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax
Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more
Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga
Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back
Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town
Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV
