by Thinus Ferreira
The reality show Die Brug on kykNET as well as the educational children's show Takalani Sesame both got 2024 International Emmy nominations.
It means that South Africa got two International Emmy Awards nods this year, compared to three last year and is also kykNET's first International Emmy Awards nomination ever.
The two South African shows are part of 56 International Emmy nominees across 14 categories that are competing in the 2024 International Emmy Awards taking place on 25 November in New York.
South Africa's two nominees are part of this year's nominees coming from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
"Every year the international television community competes to be recognized on the International Emmys' much-coveted global stage," says Bruce L. Paisner, International Academy president and CEO, in a statement.
"We congratulate the nominees for their outstanding programs and performances, they are once again a testament to the universal appeal of great storytelling across all genres, countries and cultures."
Die Brug, produced by Red Pepper Pictures for M-Net's kykNET (DStv 144) channel on MultiChoice's DStv has been renewed for a second season and is a nominee in the category for Best non-scripted entertainment.
Die Brug, produced by Frederick Louw and Lindi Lucouw, is also a contender in the Best International format category for this year's 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) organised by the National Film and Television Foundation (NFVF) taking place in October in Johannesburg.
In its International Emmy Awards category Die Brug is up against Me Caigo De Risa [Anything Goes] from TelevisaUnivision in Mexico, Restaurant Misverstand [The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes] from Roses Are Blue in Belgium, as well as The Summit from Endemol Shine Australia in Australia.
"Die
Brug is a very
special format and somewhat of an enigma to produce,” says Cecil Barry, CEO of
Red Pepper.
"Working with kykNET on this wonderful format was indeed a great
adventure and privilege. We are proud and excited about this Emmy nomination,
especially because it brings international recognition to kykNET and Red
Pepper."
Waldimar Pelser, M-Net director of premium channels, says "When
Marguerite Albrecht, one of the commissioning producers at kykNET, suggested in
May 2022 that kykNET adapt the international format Die Brug for
our viewers, we knew something exciting was coming".
"The end product, produced by Red Pepper,
provided our viewers with immense enjoyment. To receive international
recognition for an Afrikaans production filmed near the picturesque Swellendam
in the Southern Cape is immensely gratifying. And the second season will be
airing on kykNET next year."
Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, says "Die Brug is one of those rare reality shows
that come along from time to time that turn the genre on its head".
"We’re proud
to have been able to adapt a top-notch international format for our local
market – and produce such an amazing local version. Congratulations to our talented
crew on bringing a uniquely South African flavour to Die Brug, which stands
comfortably alongside versions produced anywhere else in the world."
The first season of Die Brug is currently available on MultiChoice's Showmax streamer.
Takalani Sesame which was also a nominee in the 2023 International Emmy Awards is again a nominee in the Kids: factual category.
Takalani Sesame on the South African public broadcaster's SABC2 and produced by the Sesame Workshop and Ochre Moving Pictures, is nominated for its Takalani Sesame Big Feelings special.
In the category, Takalani Sesame competes against De Mensenbieb [Living Library] from Skyhigh TV in the Netherlands, La Vida Secreta de tu Mente [The Secret Life of Your Mind] from Warner Bros. Discovery in Mexico, as well as My Life: Eva's Having a Ball from Fresh Start Media in the United Kingdom.
