Home Authors Posts by M-Net Press

M-Net Press

106 POSTS 0 JOBS
https://m-net.dstv.com/
M-Net spends every magical moment creating the ultimate TV entertainment experience. When it comes to digital television, high definition broadcasting, customer engagement, creating original South African productions and bringing the freshest TV experience to viewers, M-Net is first.

M-Net partners with Cinemax and ZDF for the six-part adaptation of Deon Meyer’s Trackers

M-Net Press
-
0
M-Net partners with Cinemax and ZDF for the six-part adaptation of Deon Meyer’s <em>Trackers</em>

The television adaptation of internationally acclaimed author Deon Meyer’s crime novel Trackers marks the beginning of a new era in high-end African storytelling. Pan-African television network M-Net and two global broadcasting giants are joining forces to take this uniquely South African political thriller to the world. First, as announced in December 2018, M-Net sealed a groundbreaking collaboration deal with Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF. Now, M-Net can confirm that Trackers is also being co-produced by Cinemax, which will also distribute the drama series worldwide beyond M-Net and ZDF’s geographical broadcasting footprint.

“The trailblazing and massively exciting co-production of Trackers illustrates M–Net’s vision and commitment to shine the spotlight on the African film and television industry and provide fresh, proudly African narratives to our viewers as well as global audiences,” says MultiChoice CEO of General Entertainment, Yolisa Phahle. “It is also taking our longstanding relationship with Cinemax to the next level, allowing local and international talent to combine their world-class story-telling and production skills.”

While M-Net is already the home of Cinemax and its sister network HBO, allowing viewers to enjoy showstoppers like Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, Westworld and many more, HBO, Cinemax and M-Net also launched an innovative Producers Apprenticeship programme last year when the Cinemax series Warrior, coming to M-Net in July, was filmed in South Africa. Some other Cinemax originals screened on M-Net include Banshee, The Knick and Strike Back. 

“Cinemax is delighted to partner with M-Net and ZDF in bringing Deon Meyer’s unforgettable characters and storytelling—all so richly rooted in the people and spectacular geography of South Africa—to screens around the world,” says Len Amato, president, HBO Films, Miniseries, and Cinemax.

Filming for Trackers has already started in exotic locations spanning the length and breadth of South Africa and the co-production partners have been working together on all aspects of production – from developing and casting, to assembling the crew and approving the final content.

Master wordsmith Deon Meyer, whose multiple-award-winning crime novels have been translated into more than 20 languages, with millions of copies sold worldwide, serves as a supervising screenwriter and co-producer; British writer Robert Thorogood (Death in Paradise) is the showrunner. The team of South African writers on the project includes the accomplished Mitchell’s Plain playwright, screenwriter and director Amy Jephta (Die Ellen Pakkies Story) as well as local writer/directors Kelsey Egen and Jozua Malherbe.

“Trackers is an unprecedented scripted television venture and MultiChoice and M-Net are proud to chart out new territory with all the game-changing players involved in this co-production,” Phahle concludes.

A talented local and international cast is on the bill for the six-part miniseries, some of which include Ed Stoppard, Rolanda Marais, James Alexander and Thapelo Mokoena. More details about their roles and additional credits will be announced at a later stage.

Trackers will make its debut on M-Net 101 in October 2019 and will also be available on MultiChoice’s popular on-demand service, Showmax. The six-part drama series is produced by UK production company Three River Studios as well as South Africa’s Scene 23.

 

Corporate social investment rarely delivers, right? These Isibaya and Isithembiso SAFTA nominees would argue otherwise

M-Net Press
-
0
Corporate social investment rarely delivers, right? These <em>Isibaya</em> and <em>Isithembiso</em> SAFTA nominees would argue otherwise

Corporate social investment programmes are often treated with a healthy dose of cynicism. It’s the kind of thing that looks good in a company’s annual report, but how often do these schemes deliver real-world benefits? The recent announcement of the SAFTA nominations shows in the entertainment industry at least, corporate social investment does indeed have a role to play.

Mbali Zulu and Charleen Ntsane are both writers on popular TV shows, and both were members of teams nominated for South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA). They’ve also got another thing in common – both are graduates of a corporate-sponsored development programme. Mbali’s and Charleen’s stories are interesting case studies into how corporate social investment (CSI) can genuinely help individuals and at the same time pay dividends to the companies that sponsor them.

Charleen Ntsane has been a core member of the youth telenovela Isithembiso writing team since the show began in 2017. Prior to her storyliner and scriptwriting position at the film and television production company Bomb Shelter, Charleen took part in MultiChoice’s M-Net Magic in Motion Academy.

The Academy, which has been running since 2015, gives participants experience in key areas of TV and film creation including commissioning, scriptwriting, concept creation, producing, directing, cinematography, sound, art direction, editing, post-production and broadcasting.

Talking about what the Academy did for her, Charleen said: “The Magic in Motion Academy seeks out people who’ve studied in the TV and film field but haven’t yet got a full time job in the industry. They gave me exactly what I needed – actual solid working experience – to bridge the gap between studying and employment. I’m over the moon that just a year afterwards I’m part of a team nominated for a SAFTA for best achievement in scriptwriting.”

Mbali Zulu has a similar story. After leaving the Academy, she also went to work for Bomb Shelter as a storyliner and scriptwriter, in this case for Isibaya.

“In my first year writing on Isibaya, I was nominated for a SAFTA.  It was a surreal and unexpected experience.  But it let me know that I was on the right track in my career. To get this second nomination for my contributions in the writing room – I feel so grateful.  So so so grateful. So many creatives are struggling to get into the industry. If it were not for the Magic In Motion Academy, I know for certain that I wouldn’t be where I am today.

After leaving the Academy, Mbali has worked on eight films, two of which are currently in post-production. She was also part of a team which successfully pitched for a 13-part series that’s due to air soon on Mzansi Magic.

Speaking about why they decided to start the Magic in Motion Academy, MultiChoice CEO for General Entertainment Yolisa Phahle said:

“The best possible world for CSI is where doing something good for society intersects with helping your own industry – and by supporting promising TV and film students in the transition to meaningful employment we’re doing both. Africa has incredible TV and film talent and I’m a firm believer that there’s world-wide demand for well-told African stories.  There’s no question that I get a kick from seeing our graduates up for awards, but I’m probably even more excited that the pool of skilled professionals producing original African content is even larger than before thanks to the Academy.”

To date, more than 1200 episodes of Isibaya and more than 400 episodes of Isithembiso have been filmed. They are available to stream on www.showmax.com.

The SAFTA awards ceremony takes place on 2 March. MultiChoice was the most-nominated company with its productions receiving more than 150 nominations.

Elsa Joubert’s novel, Poppie Nongena adapted for the big screen

M-Net Press
-
0
Elsa Joubert’s novel, <em>Poppie Nongena</em> adapted for the big screen

Producer Helena Spring has announced that production on the legacy film, Poppie Nongena, has commenced. The film is based on The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena, regarded as one of the best African novels of the twentieth century. Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Christiaan Olwagen is the director with Vicci Turpin as the cinematographer. Olwagen’s previous work includes the critically acclaimed films, Johnny is nie dood nie, Die Seemeeu and Kanarie.

Clementime Mosimane has been cast in the role of Poppie, alongside Anna-Mart van der Merwe (Die Storie van Klara Viljee, Kanarie), veteran Chris Gxalaba and Rolanda Marais.  Nomsa Nene, who played the title role to rave reviews in the international theatre production of Poppie, joins the cast as Poppie’s mother.

“I’m extremely proud and honoured to produce a film based on such exceptional material” said producer, Helena Spring. “Poppie’s deeply personal experiences, her love for her children and formidable inner courage will inspire young and old, as she draws meaning and purpose from the most difficult moments of her life.”

“The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena is a very important story that needs to be told. It has taken several years to develop the screenplay. We are excited about the formidable production team, and excellent cast, and can’t wait to show the film to Elsa Joubert and the rest of the world” said Karen Meiring, head of KykNET.

Hailed as groundbreaking, the novel was reprinted three times within its first four months of release and has since been translated into thirteen languages. It has won multiple awards worldwide.

Poppie Nongena is made possible through the support of KykNET, M-Net, The Department of Trade and Industry, and Arco Venture Capital, and is scheduled for release in South African cinemas nationwide in 2019.

M-Net’s Carte Blanche celebrates three decades of cutting-edge television journalism

M-Net Press
-
0
M-Net’s <em>Carte Blanche</em> celebrates three decades of cutting-edge television journalism

Carte Blanche has given M-Net viewers the “right to see it all”; it has provided a voice to all South Africans; it has been a trustworthy authority on the state of affairs and a clear reflection of the world we live in; it has generated fiery debates and conversations at the water-cooler; it has become a respected and loved institution that has stood the test of time. Now, the longest-running current affairs show on South African television is celebrating 30 years of daring story-telling.

On Sunday 26 August at 19h00, M-Net’s multiple-award-winning flagship local production Carte Blanche is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special 90-minute long broadcast that will look back on many of the highlights and memorable moments that created appointment viewing over three decades.

Viewers will relive Carte Blanche’s coverage of epic moments in history as it exposed wrongdoing of all kinds, interviewed global icons, kept viewers informed about the latest technology, and showcased remarkable achievements of South Africans from all walks of life. Among other highlights, the special Carte Blanche 30th Birthday edition will feature the following not-to-be-missed inserts:

Three Decades of History

In August 1988, the first episode of Carte Blanche was broadcast. South Africa was a very different country at the time. PW Botha was state president, Nelson Mandela was behind bars, townships were aflame, and a repressive state of emergency was being fiercely opposed.  Since then, unimaginable changes have taken place in our history and Carte Blanche has been there to cover many of these human triumphs and tragedies.

Investigations and Scams

Investigative reportage has been the cornerstone of Carte Blanche for 30 years, busting corruption, cruelty and trickery, from car dealers to shady politicians, animal abusers to scammers of every type. It still inspires countless people to write to us every day. We recall the highlights in our investigative journey and reflect on the sometimes entertaining and always enlightening responses of those in the crosshairs.

The Bizarre, the Adventurous and the Extraordinary 

While it may be known for its investigative prowess, Carte Blanche has over the years explored bizarre and extraordinary lifestyles and adventures.  From adult “babies” in nappies, to the first South African Everest expedition – we’ve captured these moments and met courageous men and women who have pushed the boundaries of modern-day adventure.

Sport, Celebrities and Golden Moments

Carte Blanche’s very presence made and recorded magic. Devi’s iconic confrontation of Eskom’s Matshela Koko. Derek’s meeting with Mark Shuttleworth before he ventured into space. Macfarlane’s scowl as he descended into Johannesburg’s sewers with zama zama miners looking for treasure, and the wonder on Claire’s face as she tested some of the first virtual reality phone devices. Moments like these have made you stay with us and have propelled us into the future.

Produced by Combined Artistic Productions and spearheaded by legendary executive producers such as the late Bill Faure, Linda Vermaas, Pieter Cilliers and George Mazarakis; Carte Blanche has garnered numerous accolades. The show’s impressive list of honours for inserts created by its top-notch producers and researchers include more than 230 international and local awards.

During its three decades on our screens, Carte Blanche has also turned many highly talented powerhouse presenters and journalists into household names. Derek Watts and Ruda Landman steered the show as studio anchors. The team of fearless presenters who have reported from the trenches include the likes of Bongani Bingwa, Tim Modise, Michelle Alexander, Bonita Nuttal, Neo Motaung, Chantal Rutter Dros, Doreen Morris, Annika Larsen, Manu Padayachee, Moki Makhura, Zaa Nkweta, David Ampofo, Martien Dennis and Les Aupiais – all of whom have contributed to the show’s excellence.

After 30 years in the Carte Blanche hot seat – a South African television record – Derek Watts continues to have regular appointments with Carte Blanche audiences in the show’s iconic timeslot on Sunday evenings before the channel’s blockbuster movie. Devi Sankaree Govender, known for her fearless reporting, and seasoned journalist Macfarlane Moleli have joined him as studio anchors while Claire Mawisa, John Webb and Nhlanhla Sehume have brought viewers the excellent stories Carte Blanche is renowned for under the leadership of new executive producer Wynand Grobler.

Carte Blanche is still the most watched and highest-rated programme on M-Net 101, but it’s not only its eye-opening stories that have contributed to our society. At the time of its 20th birthday celebrations, the ‘Carte Blanche Making a Difference Campaign’ was launched and in just ten years, the campaign has raised over R130-million in funds and millions in kind. Every cent has gone towards 20 paediatric hospital projects in ten state hospitals around the country.

Making television history, Carte Blanche also created the Oscar Pistorius pop-up channel for DStv during his trial.

To celebrate this milestone birthday with the Carte Blanche team, be sure to catch Sunday’s show at 19h00. You can also share your Carte Blanche memories or a birthday wish at #carteblanche30.

Ellen, Die Storie van Ellen Pakkies to open kykNET Silwerskermfees

M-Net Press
-
0
<em>Ellen, Die Storie van Ellen Pakkies</em> to open kykNET Silwerskermfees

Ellen, Die Storie van Ellen Pakkies, which delves into the psyche of a family destroyed by drugs, in one of the most dangerous local communities, has been selected as the opening film at the kykNET Silwerskerm Festival on 22 August 2018 at The Bay Hotel in Campsbay.

“We are truly honoured that kykNET Silwerskerm Festival has chosen Ellen’s story to open the festival. This film speaks and highlights the plight of so many who are suffering”, says executive producer, Paulo Areal.

The heart-wrenching story of Ellen Pakkies caught the attention of people around the globe when she was accused of murdering her drug-addicted son, Abie, in 2007. While the court case that followed kept people on the edge of their seats, the film adaptation promises to do the same, and so much more!

Award-winning director, Daryne Joshua, best-known for his debut film Noem My Skollie, alongside producers Schalk-Willem Burger and Paulo Areal, is at the helm of this impressive project. The script was crafted by Amy Jephta, with input from Ellen Pakkies herself. Pakkies also helped recreate scenes for the movie, which was shot in her home, to ensure that they are as authentic as possible.

Jill Levenberg, who has played several parts in films and on television, including Genadekans, Noem my Skollie, Leemte, While You Weren’t Looking, Abraham, Bekkies Gevind, As Ek Huistoe Kom, Fluit-Fluit, Atlas, Uitvlucht and the popular kykNET soapie, Suidooster,  is brilliant in the role of Ellen Pakkies and did a lot of research to make her interpretation as honest and accurate as possible.

Jarrid Geduld plays the role of Ellen’s son, Abie. “It is always a challenge to tell someone’s true story, especially one that is so relevant. I lost a lot of weight and really tried to get into the character in the hope that it would provide some insight into what goes on in the mind of an addict,” says Geduld, known for his roles in local and international productions such as Black Sails, Zulu, 10 000BC and A Lucky Man.

This gripping true story was produced by The Moving Billboard Picture Company in collaboration with M-Net, kykNET Films and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and will be distributed by Filmfinity (Pty) Ltd. The film will start showing countrywide from 7 September 2018.

A day in the heels of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg

M-Net Press
-
0
A day in the heels of <em>The Real Housewives of Johannesburg</em>

The first ever local version of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg is set to debut on 1Magic, DStv channel 103 on Friday, 3 August at 19h00.

Viewers will be privy to the lives of the glamorous wealthy Johannesburg women and take a tour of their wardrobes and get VIP access to their lavish parties from the comfort of their living rooms. We let you in on the mostly private lives of the ladies with the biggest handbag and stilettos collections in town.

The reality series documents the highs and lows of the six fiery affluent characters, as they let Mzansi into their lives – from their luxurious homes to their prestigious family life.

At the centre of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg, we meet Evodia Mogase; a warm, talkative, straight talker originally from Soweto. She started off as a teacher, then owned a catering business and is today a vegetation expert.

Evodia joins the show with her daughter, Mercy Mogase.  The bubbly health fanatic studied mechanical engineering and later joined herbal life as an ambassador and motivational speaker.

We also meet a warm and charming beauty entrepreneur who owns a spa, Brinnette Seopela. She finds her happy ending at the heart of this series and is the glue that holds the Housewives together.

If you have been wondering who is the woman behind The Naked DJ? A former Miss Botswana, 2nd princess, Naledi Willers. The Real Housewives of Johannesburg reveals her life as a wife, a Law student with a strong presence as she leaves no stone unturned and speaks her mind.

Alongside these interesting ladies on the move is a former lawyer turned businesswoman with ambitions of becoming a superstar, Christall Kay. Originally from Durban, Christall has walked the runway as a model and bagged a couple of commercials to prepare for a career as a singer. Watch how she balances it all.

Lastly, we step into Busisiwe Ter Mors’ heels, also known as Lendy. A keen golfer born in South Africa but raised in England. She is a mother of two with enough time to enjoy the joys of being a housewife, from living an affluent lifestyle to enjoying simple get-togethers hosting her friends and family.

“We are excited to be able to bring our viewers a South African version of The Real Housewives, a great franchise that has done so well internationally. The Real Housewives of Johannesburg will be a great treat for 1Magic viewers,” says Reneilwe Sema, director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.

The premiere of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg will be hitting the small screen on 3 August at 19h00 on 1Magic DStv Channel 103.

For more information visit the 1Magic website.

Join The Wild Ones on their quest to preserve the wonders of SA’s animal life

M-Net Press
-
0
Join <em>The Wild Ones</em> on their quest to preserve the wonders of SA’s animal life

A thrilling journey into the heart of the South African landscape. That is the delight that awaits M-Net viewers in The Wild Ones, a collection of wildlife stories that reveal more than even the creators of the series had expected.

Nature never ceases to surprise us, and this country is richly endowed with its treasures. However, species are lost at an alarming rate, and radical conservation efforts are needed to keep it in check. The series zooms in on heart-warming accounts of animal lovers working selflessly towards this end.

This Sunday, viewers are taken to De Hoop Nature Reserve, where ordinary people come together to help pull back species from the brink of extinction in a safe haven spanning 36 000 hectares – the largest natural area managed by CapeNature.

The reserve is home to the Cape mountain zebra, the smallest species of zebra in the world; the bontebok, once hunted to the point where just 17 remained in the wild; one of the last remaining breeding colonies of Cape vultures; the African black oystercatcher, and the mighty Southern right whale. Hunted to the brink of extinction, these special species are making a remarkable recovery – but the battle is far from over.

The first episode follows the arrival of whales in the late winter, the oystercatchers’ spring breeding cycle, and male bonteboks’ displays of power in the summer. One of the most fascinating segments deals with efforts to capture Cape mountain zebra and relocate them to suitable habitats, with a view to spreading them across a larger area.

Razeena Omar – chief executive officer for CapeNature says; “It is brilliant to see all the hard work put in over the years by our conservation staff to conserve these protected areas. The footage was documented with extreme detail and respect for nature.”

“We commend the production teams for putting this together so well. The neighbouring marine reserve, which extends 5km out to sea, is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa, being a World Heritage site. It conserves a vast and fascinating variety of marine life captured in this episode,” she adds.

De Hoop is a favourite among hikers, cyclists and bird watchers, and home to The Whale Trail, one of the most iconic hiking trails in South Africa. This route offers coastal and mountain walking with spectacular views and of course, plenty of opportunities for whale watching. This route is a five-day trail featuring well-equipped accommodation on each of the five nights, including the newly-built Noetsie cottages, which are a stopover between days two and three.

The Wild Ones – De Hoop Place of Hope is scheduled to air on Sunday, 8 July at 16h00 on M-Net channel 101.

The Wild Ones is produced by Homebrew Films in partnership with WWF South Africa and BirdLife South Africa.

Viewers can also visit the M-Net website to enter the competition whereby one lucky viewer stands the chance to win a prize from BirdLife South Africa valued at R500 and a hamper from the Struik Nature Club to the value of R5 000.

For more information about CapeNature or De Hoop Nature Reserve, visit the CapeNature website, or follow news and conversations around the show on Twitter and Facebook by following @MNet and @CapeNature1 and using the hashtags #MNetWildOnes.

Ellen, The Ellen Pakkies Story trailer released

M-Net Press
-
0
<em>Ellen, The Ellen Pakkies Story</em> trailer released

What pushes a loving mother so far that she takes the life of her own child? Perhaps the trailer for Ellen, The Ellen Pakkies Story, based on the true story about the stormy relationship between a mother and her son, will shed some light on the issue.

The heart-wrenching story of Ellen Pakkies caught the attention of people around the globe when she was accused of murdering her drug-addicted son, Abie, in 2007. While the court case that followed kept people on the edge of their seats, the film adaptation promises to do the same, and so much more!

The crime drama has already made quite an impact overseas – it was an official selection at the Rotterdam International Film Festival on 27 January 2018 and was also chosen to compete at the 44th Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) that took place from 17 May to 10 June 2018. The latter is one of the largest festivals of its kind in America. The film, which delves into the psyche of a family destroyed by drugs, in one of the most dangerous local communities, was very well received at the festival.

“When you watch this film, you realise that Ellen isn’t an evil, malicious person. You start to understand why she did what she did. She was a mother who loved her son but unfortunately, she couldn’t help him. All of the actors deliver incredible performances; all of your emotions will hit you all at once.

A phenomenal piece of art and a film that will change your life,” writes Film & Television Business, who gave the film a five-star-rating. The Stranger’s Sean Nelson (SIFF Cinema Uptown & AMC Pacific Place) adds that the movie provides insight into the economic conditions that led Ellen’s son, Abie, to become addicted to Tik, as well as the hellish inequities that persist within the criminal justice system. “Not an easy film to watch, or forget.”

Award-winning director, Daryne Joshua, best-known for his successful debut film Noem My Skollie, alongside producers Schalk-Willem Burger and Paulo Areal, is at the helm of this impressive project. The script was crafted by Amy Jephta, with input from Ellen Pakkies herself. Pakkies also helped recreate scenes for the movie, which was shot in her home, to ensure that they are as authentic as possible.

“We hope that an influential person will see the film and make a meaningful difference in such communities. Filming took place in Ellen’s house in Lavender Hill, where the murder happened. We went to great lengths to show audiences the real world in which Ellen lived, and where she and women like her continue to live,” says Burger.

Aside from the impressive team behind the movie, it also boasts a stellar cast – praise is streaming in from all corners for the actors’ outstanding performance.

Jill Levenberg, who has played several parts in films and on television, including Genadekans, Noem my Skollie (which was South Africa’s official Oscar entry in 2016), Leemte, While You Weren’t Looking, Abraham, Bekkies Gevind, As Ek Huistoe Kom, Fluit-Fluit, Atlas, Uitvlucht and the popular kykNET soapie, Suidooster (for which she received a Huisgenoot Tempo nomination in 2017) is brilliant in the role of Ellen Pakkies and did a lot of research to make her interpretation as honest and accurate as possible.

“I play the part of the drug-addicted Abie Pakkies, who grew up on the Cape Flats. It is always a challenge to tell someone’s true story, especially one that is so relevant. I lost a lot of weight and really tried to get into the character in the hope that it would provide some insight into what goes on in the mind of an addict,” says Jarrid Geduld, known for his roles in local and international productions such as Black Sails, Zulu, 10 000BC and A Lucky Man.

Elton Landrew, a well-known face on stage (District Six and Kat and the Kings) and screen (Huis van Liefde, Sara se Geheim, Dryfsand and Suidooster), as well as Kay Smith, known for her role as Tarryn in 7de Laan, can also be seen in the film.

Other talented actors which can be seen in the film include Ilse Klink (Stroomop, Isidingo), Clint Brink (Binnelanders) and Russel Savadier (The Wild, Isidingo, Black Sails).

This gripping true story was produced by The Moving Billboard Picture Company in collaboration with M-Net, kykNET Films and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and will be distributed by Filmfinity (Pty) Ltd. The film will start showing countrywide from 7 September 2018.

kykNET is looking for new comedy writers

M-Net Press
-
0
kykNET is looking for new comedy writers

Do you have an idea for a TV sitcom? Can you see and hear those characters that you know audiences will relate to? Impossible situations with hilarious results? Now is your chance to propose an idea and it might just be developed further by DStv’s kykNET and GRAPKAS.

GRAPKAS is a new competition with one main aim: To find new Afrikaans comedy writers and give these writers a chance to work with mentors and experts to develop their ideas. The end result might just be a TV sitcom with you in the writers’ chair.

“The last couple of years we have used the kykNET Silwerskermfees, a yearly film festival held in Camps Bay, to develop new talent. It has been a huge success,” says Karen Meiring, MNet: director of kykNET Channels. “A number of new role players in the film industry used the festival as a stepping stone. We now hope to use GRAPKAS in developing a very popular TV genre, namely comedy. It is time to start a platform for comedy and this is our search for these new voices and their chance to start a career for themselves.”

Potential entrants can enter at kykNET.tv. Each entry must consist of a tag line – in other words a short description of your sitcom – as well as a 500 word description of the concept.

The closing date is 15 July after which a selection process will start. Under the supervision of the experts and mentors, 20 of the concepts will be produced into a text of 24 minutes. Four of these concepts will then have a pilot episode made and any, or all, of these might stand a chance to become a new sitcom on kykNET.

Nommer 37 now at local cinemas

M-Net Press
-
0
<em>Nommer 37</em> now at local cinemas

The acclaimed ‘Hitchcockian’ South African crime thriller, Nommer 37, premiered at local cinemas on Friday, 1 June.

“My hope is that this film will be seen by all South Africans because the story is so universal and relatable, whilst giving us a peek into a world that’s familiar to some but unknown by most through the lens of a voyeur. By the time the audience walks out of the cinema, they will have been thoroughly entertained, surprised and quite possibly (though questionably) looking to buy a pair of binoculars,” says director and writer Nosipho Dumisa, who is also a producer of the kykNET soap opera, Suidooster.

This production, which had its world premiere at the International SXSW Film Festival in Texas, was selected to represent the country at the 18th annual Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) in Switzerland from 6 to 14 July 2018. It was also recently announced that Dark Star Pictures gained exclusive North American distribution rights. The North American screening of the full-length feature will kick off in New York and L.A., followed by an early winter video-on-demand release. Reel Suspects has also managed to clinch distribution deals for the film in China, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan.

Nommer 37 is based on the SAFTA-award-winning short film of the same name, which was co-directed by Nosipho Dumisa and Travis Taute. The movie is set in Haven Mansions, a fictional block of apartments in her imagined suburb of the Cape Flats, New Haven. It tells the story of Randal Hendricks (Irshaad Ally), a recent paraplegic, who is given a gift of binoculars by his devoted girlfriend, Pam (Monique Rockman). But he is in financial debt to Emmie (Danny Ross), a sadistic loan shark, and when he witnesses a powerful criminal, named Lawyer (David Manuel), commit murder while observing his neighbours through his binoculars, he initiates a blackmail scheme in an attempt to settle his debt. With deception and greed around every corner, what follows is a thrilling ride that puts both their lives in mortal danger… as the world around Randal deteriorates further and further into chaos.

The film also stars Sandi Schultz, Deon Lotz, Elton Landrew, Ephraim Gordon and Luke Jansen. It was produced by Bradley Joshua and Benjamin Overmeyer of South African production outfit Gambit Films with XYZ Films.

The film was produced by Gambit Films in association with kykNET Films, M-Net, XYZ Films and the DTI, and is distributed by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment locally, in cinemas across the country.

Watch the trailer of the movie HERE.

123...11Page 1 of 11
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
© Copyright 2017

Pin It on Pinterest