M-Net's Mzansi Bioskop (DStv 164) and Mzansi Wethu (DStv 164) channels on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform a revamp from tomorrow, 1 June.
Mzansi Bioskop, launched in 2013, will now become "the home of original African storytelling" (MultiChoice and M-Net already package and provide the AfricaMagic set of channels as well, also the home of African storytelling).
Mzansi Bioskop will now include a local movie premiere slot from Mondays to Fridays at 18:00.
On Friday nights at 19:00 Mzansi Bioskop will broadcast a classic African film.
On Saturdays and Sundays Mzansi Bioskop will show a popular South African film at 18:00, with a Saturday blockbuster film premiere at 20:30 alongside themed evening slots.
"We've unearthed new creative talent – writers, directors, actors and others in the South African film industry, who have responded to our call for homegrown stories," says Victor Koaho, M-Net local entertainment's head of marketing.
"This together with giving existing players in the industry an outlet, means that Mzansi Bioskop is playing an increasingly important role in the healthy state of movie-making in the country."
Mzansi Wethu – the locally-focused general entertainment channel featuring an array of locally produced content – will see a mix of brand-new productions and popular shows added to its programming.
Sitcoms like Samsokolo and The Mayor will now be broadcast on Mzansi Wethu starting on 21 June at 18:00 and on 27 June at 18:00 respectively. Isibaya from Mzansi Magic remain on Mzansi Wethu as well and viewers will also get reality shows, movies, dramas and telenovelas.
"The two channels Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Wethu are of vital importance to us as they are available to the DStv Access, Family and DTT (digital terrestrial television) markets – the fastest growing audience segments in our environment," says Victor Koaho.
"We therefore would like to provide these valued customers the enhanced viewing experience they deserve, which we have no doubt the new look and content strategy will provide them with."
