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TEAMWORK: Partners in life and filmmaking Norman Maake and Zinzi
Mhlongo

How ‘Sebata’ found the beast within

Filmmakers Norman Maake and Princess Zinzi Mhlongo reveal how their award-winning supernatural crime thriller, Sebata: The Beast, captures authentic African horror on the streets…

Balancing Act: TV series Critical but Stable is the new production from Barkers Media on Mzansi Magic adapted from a novel of the same name by Angela Makholwa. Photos: Supplied

Anatomy of an adaptation

South African literature is fuelling a vibrant television renaissance, as producers transform acclaimed local novels like Angela Makholwa's Critical But Stable into compelling,…

Rowlene is figuring out which strings to keep attached

South African R&B singer-songwriter Rowlene releases her new album, Some Strings Attached, a collection of ballads exploring relationships with lovers, friends, family, and fans.…

Mandla N is a co-producer and co-director on the Netflix series Umthetho

Making ‘Umthetho’ unmistakably South African

The new Netflix series, Umthetho, explores the ironic quest of a prison gang fighting for human rights, corrupt officials, and fractured families. An adaptation of the Brazilian…

Feeling it: Tony Kgoroge plays prison crime boss Moses. Photos: Supplied

Inside the complicated bond at the heart of ‘Umthetho’

Go behind the scenes of Netflix's new South African crime series, 'Umthetho', as lead actors Nqobile 'Nunu' Khumalo and Tony Kgoroge discuss their roles as Mbali and Moses, the…

Nqanawe Shangase

Nqanawe Shangase is proving that South African cinema does not need permission to thrive. The self-taught filmmaker, writer-director, producer and founder of in-cine-uation has…

Opportunity for more: Whether for television or the big screen, the line wasn't exactly drawn but the message was clear: lobby an industry that is sitting on gems worthy of a repeat of The Polygamist. Photos: File

Can ‘The Polygamist’ open the door for more Zimbabwean adaptations?

Following the global success of Sue Nyathi's 'The Polygamist' on Netflix, Zimbabweans are calling for more local novels to be adapted for screen. However, industry players…

What The Polygamist gets wrong about HIV — and what would save lives in real life

The Netflix drama "The Polygamist" depicts Jonasi Gomora's death from an AIDS-related illness, but the article argues that HIV isn't the real villain. Instead, it's the denial,…

Peach van Pletzen is balancing the joy and the dread

South African music maestro Peach van Pletzen discusses his group Van Pletzen's new album 'Benaaihilism', a maximalist electronic dance music anthem. He shares insights into his…

The pan-African story of South African cinema

Joburg Film Festival curator Nhlanhla Ndaba delves into the profound pan-African influences that have shaped South African cinema, from the era of exile and anti-colonial…

What consumers want from connectivity today and how operators are responding

Consumer expectations for mobile and home connectivity are rapidly shifting, driven by the ease and flexibility of digital-first and subscription-based services. This article…

‘Maternal Instinct’ exposes the deadly cost of living a lie

This review delves into 'Maternal Instinct', one of Netflix's most disturbing true-crime documentaries, exposing how unchecked deception can lead to unimaginable violence. It…

Deeply human: Swati Mandela-Dlamini and Zaziwe Manaway in The Trials of Winnie Mandela S1. Photo: Netflix

‘The Trials of Winnie Mandela’: beyond the single story

Explore 'The Trials of Winnie Mandela', a Netflix documentary that offers an authentic, nuanced portrayal of one of South Africa's most fascinating and contested figures.…

From left to right: Sthandiwe Kgoroge, S'dumo Mtshali, and Gugu Gumede

Inside ‘The Polygamist’: The cast unpack betrayal, desire and emotional survival

The cast of Sue Nyathi's viral Netflix adaptation, 'The Polygamist', delve into the series' intense themes of betrayal, desire, and emotional survival, reflecting on how the show…

Based on Sue Nyathi's novel, Netflix's ‘The Polygamist’ turns a familiar story of love, betrayal and power into one of the most talked-about South African dramas of the year

The Polygamist: Familiar themes, powerful performances

The new Netflix series, The Polygamist, based on Sue Nyathi's novel, has become a major talking point. This 22-episode drama features a strong cast led by Gugu Gumede as Joyce…