Triple-bill of local romance on Showmax this Valentine’s Day

Showmax is giving Valentine’s Day a distinctly local flavour this year with three brand-new South African love stories. 

Forever Yena | Showmax Original | Stream from 14 February

In Forever Yena, social media “it” couple Penny and Kwanda accidentally live stream their relationship meltdown just days before Valentine’s Day. Can they get back “perfect umjolo” in time to save each other, their fans’ belief in love, and a lucrative brand deal with a dating app? 

Thandi Make (Gomora, The Queen) and Aluve Mjali (How to Manifest A Man) co-star as Penny and Kwanda in the romcom, opposite the likes of Sikelelwa Vuyeleni (Adulting, 1802 Love Defies Time), Simphiwe Ngema (The Queen, Rockville), Miss SA finalist Luyanda Zuma and multi-award winner Refilwe Modiselle (White Gold). 

MultiChoice Talent Factory alumnus Charlie Sampson (Uzobuya) directs the Showmax Original film, which is produced by MECA and Warchild. 

Matilda en Matthys | Stream from 14 February

In Matilda en Matthys, an ambitious young writer and a super-rational tech entrepreneur go on a series of fake dates as research for their novel and their dating app algorithm respectively. But even the smartest people can’t outsmart love. 

Matilda en Matthys stars Emma van Heyn (Twintig Tone In ‘n Hangkas, Troukoors) and Adrian Steyn (Die Onderonsie, Wyfie) in the title roles, opposite the likes of Bertha le Roux-Wahl (7de Laan), Pietie Beyers (Die Onderonsie) and comedian Mojak Lehoko. 

The romcom is the debut film from writer-director Bibi Slippers (a published poet and SAFTA-nominated screenwriter for Hotel). Industry legend Danie Bester is producing through Film Factory. Bester has produced 35 films in the last 15 years, including the box office smash hit Pad na Jou Hart, the SAFTA Best Film winner Fiela Se Kind, and South African Oscar entry Toorbos. 

​Intlawulo | Showmax film | Now streaming 

The debut feature from SAFTA winner Thandokazi Msumza (DiepCity, The Wife), Intlawulo follows Bucks, who falls in love with his dead best friend’s sister while trying to make amends to her family.

Khojane Morai (Umbuso, Abomkhulu) and Kealeboga Masango from Rhythm City co-star, with Momelezi Ntshiba (Silent Witness, An Act of Defiance) as the dead boy’s father, a pastor who invites Bucks to join his church’s choir. The likes of Phumzile Mlangeni (Lingashoni, Skeem Saam) and  SAFTA nominee Thembekile Komani (Knuckle City, Blood Psalms) are also in the cast. 

Intlawulo is produced by The Milton Empire (Mzali Wam).

This month of love, Showmax is also streaming the hit Jennifer Lawrence comedy No Hard Feelings and the dating reality show Queen’s Court (from 12 February), starring Tamar Braxton, not to mention Valentine’s favourites like Notting Hill, Ticket To Paradise, The Lost City, Father of the Bride, Bridget Jones’ Baby, 50 First Dates and the After and Fifty Shades franchises.