Thursday, January 23, 2025

South African short film The Last Ranger gets a 97th Oscars nomination


by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's short film, The Last Ranger, directed by Cindy Lee and which made the shortlist in the Best Live Action Short Film category in December, has cliched a nomination as one of the final 5 films that will compete for a statue at the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on 2 March.

MultiChoice's M-Net will again broadcast the 2025 Oscars for DStv subscribers.

The Last Rangerproduced by Kindred Films and supported by Rose and Oaks Media, chronicles the story of Lita (Liyabona Mroqoza) who is captivated by the wonders of a game reserve, guided by the last ranger, Khuselwa (Avumile Qongqo).

Their adventure turns into a fight for survival when they are ambushed by poachers, leading them to confront a painful reality that underlines the critical issues of wildlife conservation.

The Last Ranger from Cindy Lee and Darwin Shaw is now up against the United States' A Lien from Sam Cutler-Kreutz and David Cutler-Kreutz, India's Anuja from Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai, the Dutch entry I'm Not a Robot from Victoria Warmerdam and Trent, as well as Croatia's The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent from Nebojša Slijepčević and Danijel Pek.

South Africa's official Oscars entry, Old Righteous Blues fell out early with South Africa's film industry that doesn't fully understand the scale, process, American distribution and financial backing required to properly compete and mount an Academy Awards nomination campaign. 

CNN to get rid of 200 workers in renewed pivot to digital, will debut new video streaming effort as TV schedule is overhauled


by Thinus Ferreira

Warner Bros. Discovery's CNN will get rid of 200 people within the operations of its traditional TV news channel business but will rehire 200 people within its digital division - 100 of which within a year - as part of its renewed pivot to digital news delivery which will include a second effort to launch a video streaming service.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson on Thursday told CNN staffers that the TV news channel is getting rid of 6% or around 200 of its workforce but will employ people within months - around 100 - on the digital side.

Warner Bros. Discovery is giving $70 million to CNN to invest in its latest digital pivot.

"The changes we're announcing today are part of an ongoing response by this great news organisation to profound and irreversible shifts in the way audiences in America and around the world consume news," Mark Thompson wrote in a staff memo.

After it started a video streaming service, CNN+ that was abruptly shut down just a few months later, Mark Thompson will now again build out a new video streaming service for CNN and will "develop a new way for digital subscribers at home and abroad to stream news programming from us on any device they choose".

"It's early days but we've already established that there's immense demand for it not just in America, but across much of the world."

CNN will also unveil a new TV schedule for CNN domestic in the United States on Thursday, which will impact its international version CNN International (DStv 401), since several of the programmes on CNN are simulcast on CNN International.

Mark Thompson says the rejigged schedule is "intended to strengthen our domestic schedule throughout the day and deliver international programming to a wider audience around the world".

"A revised international schedule will follow in a few days' time."

"We're able to achieve that with this new schedule, which will be shared and distributed broadly later today, while also placing our production costs on sustainable footing to match the changing economics of linear television platforms."

"Like the rest of our industry, we have to respond to these economics if we're to maintain high-quality services for our loyal existing audiences."

"We're also streamlining and adjusting some important aspects of how we produce our TV programming going forward."

The Trash Starts: More brand damage for MultiChoice and M-Net, Unilever's Robertsons Spice and LottoStar as Big Brother Mzansi shows 'deeply troubling' sexual assault victim-shaming on DStv


by Thinus Ferreira

Like clockwork, new brand damage has exploded for and engulfed MultiChoice and DStv, M-Net and Mzansi Magic as well as sponsors LottoStar and Unilever's Robertsons Spice after the latest season of Big Brother Mzansi aired nasty sexual assault victim-shaming content which has been slammed as "deeply troubling".

The latest season of Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo executive produced by Natalie Bleksley and Red Pepper Pictures, started 10 days ago and is the fifth season under the Big Brother Mzansi moniker and the  11th season overall of Big Brother South Africa done by MultiChoice and M-Net in the country according to the Banijay format.

Shocked DStv subscribers watched as MultiChoice aired comments on DStv from Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo housemates Ashley Ogle and Bongiwe Booi, known as Bonni Bee, victim-shaming Florence Mphirime, known as Kay B, after she revealed that she was a victim of sexual assault.

Ashley Ogle and Bonni Bee slammed Kay B, claiming that she was just looking for attention.

Both Ashley Ogle and Bonni Bee violated pre-set rules of the show.

The Women for Change organisation that helps and supports gender-based violence victims, in a statement, slammed the abhorrent behaviour that MultiChoice and Mzansi Magic showed to DStv subscribers, labelling it as "deeply troubling".

"The recent conversation between Ashley and Bonnie on Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo, which invalidated a survivor's experience, is deeply troubling," says Women for Change.

"When a woman bravely shares her story of sexual assault, it is vital to offer support, not judgment or mockery. Labelling Florence "Kay B" Mphirime's experience as attention-seeking and failing to stand with survivors are harmful micro-aggressions that perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming." 

"These attitudes foster a culture of silence and shame, discouraging survivors from speaking out about their experiences, and it extends far beyond the so-called "mean girl" behaviour - it highlights a systemic problem of rape culture. We must believe in survivors, amplify their voices, and stand with them in solidarity."

M-Net and MultiChoice were asked for comment on the latest utterances that amount to victim shaming in the Big Brother Mzansi season.

M-Net in response to the media query told me "The opinions and views expressed in the Big Brother Mzansi season 5 house are that of the housemates and do not represent the views of Mzansi Magic, or any of the sponsors LottoStar, Robertsons Spice and Chillers Punch".

"Big Brother's rules for the house are important and taken seriously. Last night, Big Brother addressed the housemates about their misconduct and issued the relevant warnings and punishment."

"Big Brother will continue to address any disobedient behaviour that does not adhere to Big Brother's rules."


M-Net was also asked what sponsors Unilever and LottoStar make of sponsoring a show that continues to cause controversy and does brand damage to their companies by being associated with reality trash TV content.

M-Net told TVwithThinus that "Our sponsors for Big Brother Mzansi are aware of the nature of the show, however, Mzansi Magic and the show sponsors do not endorse any views of the housemates."

Unilever in a statement on the Instagram account of Robertsons Spice - which was not automatically sent to media by either M-Net or the Playmakers PR agency responsible for media liaison this season - echoed what M-Net said in response to the media query, and clearly tried to distance itself from the sexual assault victim-shaming broadcast by MultiChoice's DStv.

"The opinions and views expressed in the Big Brother Mzansi season 5 house are that of the housemates and do not represent the views of Mzansi Magic, LottoStar, Robertsons Spice and Chillies Punch. Big Brother house rules are important and are taken seriously," Robertsons Spice displayed on a card on Instagram.

M-Net was also asked whether Red Pepper Pictures and M-Net will be doing any educational session with the participants in the latest Big Brother Mzansi season, as well as for information on what education sessions, if any, the producers and M-Net PR did with the contestants beforehand to instruct them on what not to do and say.

M-Net told TVwithThinus in response to this question that "We cannot reveal what is planned for the housemates with regards to production content that will be rolling out over the period of the show, however, we have taken a strong note of the incidents that have transpired thus far, which we acknowledge with extreme importance".

"We will follow through with actions on such incidents in the relevant manner." 

All previous seasons of Big Brother Mzansi and Big Brother Naija on DStv have been rife with shocking instances of physical and verbal assault over the past years, had seen contestants admonished and some removed while MultiChoice continues with in-show sponsorship promotion of drinking and liquor, as well as gambling. 

A&E revives Duck Dynasty with 20-episode order for 2 seasons of Duck Dynasty The Revival following Willie and Korie Robertson


by Thinus Ferreira

A&E is reviving its reality show Duck Dynasty with a 20-episode order for two seasons of Duck Dynasty: The Revival that will again follow the Robertson family and focus on Willie and Korie Robertson and their Duck Commander business.

Duck Dynasty ended in 2017 after 11 seasons and the two new seasons of Duck Dynasty: The Revival will not include patriarch Phil Robertson as one of the featured family members since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

Duck Dynasty: The Revival will focus on Willie and Korie Robertson and their adult children and grandchildren, all living on the family's Louisiana homestead.

According to A&E "With their dynasty expanding into more than just ducks, Willie and Korie will bring their signature humour and family fun as they grapple with mapping out the future of Duck Commander, watching the kids navigate marriage, children and businesses of their own, and passing down the family legacy."

Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive vice president and head of programming for A&E and Lifetime, in a statement announcing the revival of the show, says "The Robertsons earned a seat in homes across the country with their unique brand of down-home practicality, Southern charm and relatable humour".

"Duck Dynasty played a huge part of the success of A&E for many years, and we look forward to reuniting with the Robertsons on the revival."

Duck Dynasty: The Revival will very likely be shown on the History (DStv 186) channel of Hearst Networks EMEA, which last year rebranded from A&E Networks.

"Going back on A&E feels a little like going back home," says Willie and Korie Robertson in the statement.

"We're thankful for all who have followed along as our family has grown and expanded and can't wait to get cameras rolling again on all our new adventures, or perhaps misadventures."

Besides Willie and Korie, Duck Dynasty: The Revival will feature Willie's mother Kay, Uncle Si and Willie and Korie's kids John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella and Rebecca.

Duck Dynasty: The Revival is produced by Wheelhouse Entertainment's Spoke Studios and the Robertsons' Tread Lively Productions.

Brent Montgomery, Wheelhouse CEO and executive producer, says "I was a huge fan of the original Duck Dynasty and thought it was the best reality sitcom of all time, so I jumped at the chance to work with Willie and Korie".

"The Robertsons live by a motto of 'faith, family and fun' and that will be the heartbeat of what we bring to viewers."

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Known Associates crime-comedy film The Drop added to eVOD as 'cinematic love letter to Johannesburg's gritty charm'


by Thinus Ferreira

The crime-comedy film The Drop, directed by Jonathan Parkinson and written by Athos Kyriakides will debut on eMedia's eVOD on 30 January, starring Didintle Khunou, Siyabonga Xaba, Garion Dowds, Bonko Khoza and Makgotso Monyemorathoe.

Produced and distributed by Known Associates, The Drop is the story of three flatmates whose mundane lives take a turn after they find themselves at the wrong end of a bank heist gone wrong.

When a robber crashes into their apartment with a bag full of stolen money, the trio's ordinary world is turned upside down.

What follows is botched escape plans, run-ins with law enforcement and an intimidating Russian mobster who wants his money back.

The Drop was filmed on location in Johannesburg's Maboneng precinct which the producers call a "cinematic love letter to Johannesburg's gritty charm and vibrant energy".

"As a director, my goal was to craft a film that blends high-stakes action with relatable, character-driven storytelling, with a wicked and sometimes quirky comedic undertone," says director Jonathan Parkinson.

"The Drop is unapologetically South African, and it’s been an incredible journey bringing this vision to life alongside an exceptional team, and seriously talented cast."

Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, producer and Known Associates group CEO, says "This is more than just a film; it's a statement about the vibrancy and resilience of South African storytelling".

"The Drop captures the grit, humour, and unfiltered energy of Johannesburg while showcasing the immense talent our country has to offer. We're excited to deliver a story that's bold, unapologetically local, and universally relatable."

Monday, January 20, 2025

Third season opener of Betway SA20 tournament lifts South African cricket ratings on SuperSport by 129%


by Thinus Ferreira

South African cricket-watching ratings for the season opener broadcast of the third season of the Betway SA20 tournament in South Africa is up 129% compared to last year.

This makes the Betway SA20 opening match viewership on 9 January 2025 the second-highest recorded live opening fixture in this summer season of cricket on MultiChoice's SuperSport.

The opening match viewership numbers significantly exceeded previous records from the first and second season, with the opener between the defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town drawing a record total live unique audience of 382 778 viewers on SuperSport.

That represents a 129% increase from the second season.

The ratings for the opener places the match just behind the T20I series between the Proteas and India, with the league also exceeding the viewership of the IPL and Big Bash games in the South African market.

The opening week has also seen record attendance numbers, with 4 sold-out opening matches and a 79% attendance rate across the rain-interrupted opening 6 matches.

"We've worked hard to establish the league as a property that appeals to viewers at home and those who come to the stadium and these numbers give us the confidence that we are on the right track to keep building on a strong foundation," says Graeme Smith, league commissioner, in a statement.

"The collective support of our franchises, SuperSport and the fans has played a key role in our success and over the next 3 weeks of the tournament we will continue to work together to deliver something special for the fans."

Supersport and the league are increasing the viewership of the Betway SA20 tournament by making certain matches available to lower-tiered DStv subscribers who now get access to certain matches on the DStv Access package that has the SuperSport Variety 4 channel.

"The strong viewership numbers are a testament to the league's growing popularity and the exceptional work of  SuperSport and the League.  This is fantastic news for their sponsors and a clear indication that the league is transforming the appeal of domestic cricket in South Africa," says Tumelo Selikane, Nielsen Sports SA managing director.

M-Net's Die Byl on kykNET and Showmax cancelled after 6 seasons


by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net is done with the Afrikaans crime drama series Die Byl after six seasons, the last of which started on kykNET (DStv 144) last week.

The Cape Town set first season of Die Byl starring Waldemar Schultz as Colonel Piet van der Bijl - a detective specialising in serial killer cases - was first shown almost a decade ago in 2016 on kykNET and MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax.

kykNET confirms Die Byl, inspired by the real-life South African detective Piet Byleveld and originally produced by Marche Media and later Wolflight Films, is done after this 6th season.

The confirmation from kykNET came on Friday afternoon in a press statement, the day after a pre-recorded insert was first broadcast on kykNET on Thursday night in the magazine show Bravo! in which Waldemar Shultz in a sit-down interview said Die Byl is finished.

"After six seasons, it's time to say goodbye. It was a very special experience. We didn't know back then that we, the cast, were joining a family that would work together for ten years. The people and the camaraderie will stay with me forever," says Waldemar Schultz in a prepared quote.

According to kykNET, Die Byl is the drama series with the most seasons in kykNET's history.

The 5th and 6th seasons of Die Byl were produced without Leon Kruger who used to be the head writer and Herman Binge, executive producer, who both died in 2021.

"Seasons 5 and 6 are our tributes to them. Also to our Dr Fritz, Eric Nobbs, who passed away in 2022. But I think it's a good time to wrap up. I'm 10 years older now than when we started, and poor Van der Bijl has been through so much violence, murder and tragedy in his long career. Perhaps he'll welcome a bit of peace and quiet."

"I'm not so sure I want to say goodbye. Maybe I'm still holding out hope for a feature film."

The rest of Die Byl cast includes Marvin-Lee Beukes, Lika Berning, Milan Murray and Amalia Uys.

Tyrone Keogh is the profiler Capt. William Miller with Marcel van Heerden who joined from season 5 as pathologist Dr Anton Fourie.

Die Byl was written by Elmarie Botha, Berdene Burger and Lorraine Burger with Berdene Burger, Liezl Spies and Nina Swart as directors, and cinematography by Jay Marais. 

The series was produced by Elmarie Botha for Wolflight Films. 

Africa Magic adds slate of 5 new Nigerian shows for early 2025 including fantasy warrior series and school hostage drama


by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net have unveiled a new slate of Nigerian programming for its set of Africa Magic channels on DStv with 5 new shows that will premiere and fill the schedule between the start of 2025 and March including a school hostage drama and a fantasy warrior series.

Uriri which has already started on 30 December is billed by M-Net as a fantasy drama series. 

The 39-episode series chronicles the story of "a legendary warrior" Ogaga who must "confront his destiny and darkness while being haunted by the source of his strength" after his path crosses with a young woman named Serome.

Uriri on Africa Magic Showcase, from Mondays to Wednesdays, stars Seun Ajayi, Frank Konwea, Osarehia Oronsaye and Bobby Ekpe with Xavier Ighorodje as showrunner and executive producer.

The new series PTA follows the life of a teacher, Kennedy, and how a series of unfortunate events led him to take the drastic decision of holding those at his school's parent-teacher meeting hostage.

The 25-episode PTA on Africa Magic Showcase on Thursdays and Fridays is directed by Reuben Reng and stars Levi Chikere, Segun Arinze, Eric Obinna, Dorin Oyesanya and Jsmile Uhuru.

Something called Inu Jin is on Africa Magic Yoruba with episodes on Saturdays and Sundays. No information from MultiChoice.

A new series called Obi Di Omim is on Africa Magic Igbo. Also no information from MultiChoice about it.

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice's head of content and channels for West Africa, in a press release, says "Every year, we're constantly shown our commitment to delivering the best of African storytelling to your screens, and this year's no different".

"With our latest offerings, we look forward to having you at the edge of your seat with these immersive stories."

Arts minister Gayton McKenzie promises fixes, admits South Africa's government failed artists: ‘They can't even open an Ellerines account’


by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie has slammed the country's government for its failure to reform the entertainment industry and the system to prevent artists from suffering and perpetually dying in poverty.

Gayton McKenzie spoke at the funeral of singer Winnie Khumalo (51) and said the government is serious about fixing South Africa's broken entertainment biz system this year.

Winnie Khumalo died 7 January after a short illness and without a medical aid, followed by the death two days later of Victor "Doc Shebeleza" Bogopane after a long illness.

Gayton McKenzie branded The Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) – a representative body funded by the department of sports, arts and culture – as a "criminal organisation" that he said got millions of rands from the government with little to show for it.

"Artists in this country, you have been failed by us – your government," Gayton McKenzie said at the funeral service.

"I'm not pointing fingers at others – I’m part of government. We have failed you. We have failed artists in this country as a government."

"Let me tell you how have we have failed you: How come artists in this country can't even open an Ellerines account? They don't have a three months' bank statements. Artists in this country are not being seen as workers. How can that be? We have failed you."

"I came here for two reasons. I came to apologise because I am part of the people who have failed you. But I'm also going to be part of the people that bring the solution and fix what we have done wrong," he said.

"I send my sincerest apology because artists are being treated like nothing."

"Artists die.They are represented CCIFSA. Why can't CCIFSA pay for the funerals of artists? They're getting millions. Millions and millions and millions. They steal from artists."

Gayton McKenzie said "CCIFSA is a criminal organisation. I have the bank statements of how many millions they've got but the artists are still poor. Why did you get all these millions?"

"I will bring out the bank statements of how much you have been paid over all these years. You got millions and millions and millions. Where's that money? What have you done with that money?" 

At the funeral the veteran musician and producer Chicco Twala also spoke and revealed Winnie Khumalo suffered and had no medical aid.

"What we have are burial aids. Not medical aids. They only put money aside for us when we are dead. Winnie did not deserve to die the way she did. She suffered. Rethabile suffered alone. I saw Winnie two days before she passed on; what I saw was not okay. Winnie needed a medical aid.

"The likes of Winnie and many of our late musicians who were instrumentally generating millions into our sector deserve better. I want our government to do something about that."

Chicco Twala said "There are three companies: Universal Music, Warner Brothers, as well as Sony. They have collected more than R1 billion. Money that belongs to musicians like Winnie, producers like Sizwe Zakwe, the late Hugh Masekela. That money, they shared it among themselves and did not pay a cent to producers".

Earlier this month The South African Guild of Actors (SAGA) slammed the government and the minister for the inaction to protect the rights of workers in South Africa's TV and film industry where the casts and crews of several TV shows have gone unpaid for months.

After many months struggling to just get paid and losing homes and rental accommodation and forced to sell cars and equipment, the workers on Paramount Africa and Bakwena Productions' Pound 4 Pound series shown on the BET Africa (DStv 129) channel on MultiChoice's pay-TV service, finally got paid in December.

The cast and crew of Clive Morris Productions' Queendom series, also shown on Paramount Africa's BET, are however again and still waiting to be paid after production had shut down once more – the latest shut down for the troubled show due to people simply not being paid for their work.

The cast and crew of The Executives, produced by Sawita Productions and shown on the South African public broadcaster's SABC1 are also still waiting to be paid, while the cast and crew of Nikiwe, produced for eMedia's e.tv by Thomas Gumede and Lungelo Radu's Parental Advisory Productions are also waiting for payment for over a year. 

Jack Devnarain, SAGA chairperson, said "Nobody wants to step up and admit they failed to protect the rights of performers, crew and background actors".

"The problem is we have normalised silence. If you step back and look at the damage inflicted on the industry through non-payments, there should be all kinds of alarms, sirens, and media statements by the government, ministers wagging their fingers. There should be interventions by industry organisations, but no, none of that is happening – just silence."