Catch Cut-Out Girls On DStv Box Office

You can’t social distance in a theatre, but many of the latest movies are now streaming, giving us viewers an escape at home.

Among the best local films to watch from the comfort of your lounge on DStv’s BoxOffice is Cut-Out Girls, an important message movie from writer-director, Nicola Hanekom and actor-producer, Grant Swanby. The film is available now and can be downloaded with your PVR decoder and online.

Cut-Out Girls creates social awareness around gender violence issues. Based on Hanekom’s award-winning stage play, ‘Cut-Out Girls’ has been described as, “a small film with a big heart, that knows how to throw a punch”.

Kevin and Mike are young men trying to get ahead in the competitive world of tennis. When one of them discovers a dangerous key that can unlock their potential, things get out of hand. Their worlds become intertwined and spiral out of control. A small series of seemingly insignificant moments weave together with devastating consequences. The film delves deep into the notion that in every moment a choice exists.

“The frightening truth is that we all can turn into monsters, from ‘us’ into ‘them’. The trick, the prayer, the hope is that we won’t,” says Hanekom. “With the violence against women endemic in South Africa, ‘Cut-Out Girls’ is inspired by the #MeToo and #AmINext movements and is aimed at creating social change.”

Movie review platform SPL!NG said, “Hanekom is able to leverage the power of the message through: solid performances from a young cast; well-composed cinematography; capturing authentic moments; using her resources wisely and via an eclectic mix of shooting styles … ‘Cut-Out Girls’ remains a brave, important and respectable indie film. Considering the enormous challenge of adapting and bringing this indie drama to life, its sheer existence serves as an achievement in and of itself.”

Hanekom says she wants to tell stories that make a difference and make films that lead to positive change. “I am fascinated by how we all carry the potential for evil inside us, how we can incrementally shift and become unrecognisable to ourselves. We are what we think, say and do. Ultimately, our acts define us. But we can heal. We are not the sum total of what was done to us. We are the beauty we choose to find inside ourselves.”

‘Cut-Out Girls’ stars Joel Rosenblatt, Cody Mountain, Keziah Gabriel, Chloe Papademetriou, Meghan Oberholzer, Ashleigh van der Hoven and Atlanta Johnson.

The film was shot in and around Cape Town in 2017. A portion of the proceeds of the film will go to the non-profit organisation Rape Crisis. The film is produced by Act Cape Town Productions, in association with Haas & Kaas.

‘Cut-Out Girls’ is distributed in South Africa by Indigenous Film Distribution.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb