Watch the heart-stopping film about Dr Chris Barnard on Showmax

Showmax subscribers at home and abroad can look forward to the Afrikaans docudrama Hartstog, about Dr Christiaan Barnard and his team performing the world’s first heart transplant right here in SA. The movie airs on kykNET on Sunday night, exactly 50 years after the groundbreaking procedure took place. But if you miss it, not to worry – it will also be available on Showmax from Monday, the very next day, to Showmax subscribers in SA and those living overseas. Showmax is the only place you’ll be able to watch it after the kykNET broadcast.

What is Hartstog about?

In Hartstog, the human drama surrounding the events of 3 December 1967 is revealed in three parallel storylines by screenwriter Deon Opperman. Firstly, that of the Washkansky-family, anxiously awaiting a heart donor for the seriously ill Louis, but also the Darvalls, who suffer a tragic loss in an accident, and of course Dr Chris Barnard and his team at the hospital who made it all happen.

Who made Hartstog happen?

André Velts directs this docudrama which features a star-studded cast. Award-winning actor Carel Nel steps into the shoes (and scrubs) of Dr Chris Barnard, while his wife Aletta is played by Quinne Brown. Jacques Bessenger is Dr. Barnard’s surgeon-brother Marius.

Where and when can I watch Hartstog?

If you’ve always wanted to know more about the world’s first heart transplant, be sure to catch Hartstog on Showmax on Monday, 4 December, one day after the broadcast on kykNET. It’s a story of heartfelt passion, broken hearts and hope that shines a light on a piece of proudly South African history that changed the world.

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