News, reviews and upcoming events in film, television and theatre in South Africa.
Author:Andrew Germishuys
Founder of SAMDB, Andrew has worked full time in the film industry since the early 2000's. He has trained as an actor, completing his LAMDA Gold Medal, and attending many courses in Cape Town acting studios, with masterclasses with some of the international industries top directors, producers and filmmakers.
Working as an actor and armourer in the film and television industry have given Andrew a great balance of skills across the board when it comes to the entertainment industry.
Catch him on Twitter: twitter.com/andrewgerm_za
And IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm5390453/
Adding some color to your November, here’s the second release in Blender’s 2.9 series—and the fourth major release this year, including one Long-term Support.
The updated toolset of Blender 2.91 features improvements to cloth sculpting, boolean operations, mesh to volume and volume to mesh conversion, custom curve bevels, searchable UI panels and more. Combined with hundreds of bug fixes, Blender 2.91 is more polished and stable than ever.
This release has been made possible thanks to the community of contributors and developers on blender.org for providing demos, submitting bug reports, and thanks to the over 5000 individuals and organizations who joined the Development Fund.
Cartoon Network Africa is ramping up their local original productions with ‘CN to the Rescue’
Life’s challenging and unusual times demand a little bit of laughter, well, maybe some ROFL! That’s what Cartoon Network Africa’s new original production, CN to the Rescue, is here for. Available from the 14th of November on Cartoon Network Africa’s YouTube channel, the show is set to keep audiences laughing uncontrollably with pure African humour and fresh, imaginative content relating to everyday situations in the African household with a multitude of characters representative of the true African family.
What would the world be without inja ye game, our hero and cool brother, Tapiwe Lembwa, who is fun-loving and creative – and did we mention, Cartoon Network’s greatest fan in all of Africa? With the help of his cartoon chommies, and visits to his ‘Imagination Room’ filled with archives of his favourite Cartoon Network episodes, he solves daily household mshikashika in a surprising and imaginative way. However, with a no-nonsense slay queen of a mother, intensely focused bra, Garcia, who always gets drawn into Taps’s schemes, and a quiet, but wakkerGogo, no day – or episode – is without its twists and hilarious fun!!
Wacky ‘slap-chic’ African comedian,André Lembwa, brings CN to the Rescue to life. Born in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), before moving to South Africa, Lembwa’s primarily known for his impersonations of diverse nationalities, from Congolese, Nigerian, to South African and beyond. In 2019, André met Capetonian filmmaker, Howard James Fyvie, and next thing they knew – CN to the Rescue was born!
“I am ecstatic to be part of CN to the Rescue on Cartoon Network Africa’s YouTube channel,” says Lembwa. “This collaboration is an all-new format that combines the power of Cartoon Network with the clever use of local comedy and humour. I know that young audiences and families across Africa rate Cartoon Network, and I know they will enjoy the crossover of their favourite channel with their soon to be favourite family – The Lembwas!”
And no, you are not seeing double! Lembwa plays the central character, Tapiwe (aka Taps), and all three family members, the nerdy younger brother, Garcia, their glam mom, Lyzette, and of course the happy-go-lucky Gogo. With remarkably distinct characteristics for each new character, it can be easy to forget just how many roles Lembwa takes on in the series.
This quintessentially African show, primarily targeting 8-14-year-olds, further demonstrates Cartoon Network’s commitment to scaling up and sustaining the quality of local kids’ fun and imaginative entertainment. The series will consist of seven episodes of seven to nine minutes long, launching weekly from Saturday, 14 November through to Saturday, 19 December outside of the traditional linear ecosystem, exclusively on YouTube!
Join the Lembwas and get entangled with this colourful bunch from the 14th of November on Cartoon Network Africa’s website and YouTube channel.
EPISODES AND RELEASE DATES
EPISODE 1: Training Day
Release date : 14 November
Motivated by prospects of wealth and fame, Taps takes on the challenge to transform his nerdy brother into the first African Table Tennis champion. Cartoon Network comes to the rescue for a reel of side-splitting training day montage madness, ending in an epic Table Tennis match with an ultimate camera fail at the last minute.
EPISODE 2: Breaking news
Release date : 14 November
When the ‘greatest Cartoon Network fan’, Taps, cannot resist getting his hands on his Mom’s new big screen TV, the worst happens … the brothers break the TV, by accident. Inspired by Gumball’s ‘fixing the television’, We Bare Bears ‘repairing robots’, and The Powerpuff Girls ‘professor unveiling secret invention, it’s Cartoon Network to the rescue! Taps employs his nerdy brother Garcia’s science savvy in an attempt to save the day before their mom returns from the hairdresser. Garcia invents a TV, but, as it turns out – it’s actually an invisibility ray!
EPISODE 3: What’s cooking?
Release date: 21 November
Mom’s demand for an African dinner to be cooked by her children turns into a death-defying competition when Taps and Garcia decide on contrasting menus. Inspired by Mao Mao’s cook-off, it’s Cartoon Network to the rescue to win over Gogo and Mom’s approval. Bacon Pancakes comes onto the menu as a last-minute win!
EPISODE 4: Clean this house up
Release date: 28 November
Faced with the fury of Mom’s agitation at the messy state of the home, Taps and his nerdy brother, Garcia get ‘creative’ with an alternative to cleaning. It’s Cartoon Network to the rescue as Taps gets empowered by his friends in his Imagination Room – in particular Rigby and Mordecai from Regular Show’s ‘Wall buddy’ (Season 2, episode 2) to save the day by hiding all their dirt in various appliances in the kitchen. Mom comes home and discovers the mess, grounding them all instantly!
EPISODE 5: Genius Hair
Release date: 5 December
When Garcia is convinced a new hairstyle will help his chances of approval for the African University of Science in Africa for Africans, Taps’ fears for his brother’s life and reputation by having a nerdy hairstyle. Inspired by Craig of the Creek Season 2, Episode 2 where Craig has a self-cut hair disaster, and Robin’s ‘spike hair gel’ from Teen Titans Go!, Cartoon Network comes to the rescue once again! Taps teams up with his groom-wise Mom to give his brother a new look.
EPISODE 6: Load shedding P1
Release date: 12 December
When a day-long power cut hits the Lembwa household, Taps is faced with the disastrous impossibility of watching Cartoon Network. Cheered up by the Imagination Room visits featuring a slumber party in Teen Titans Go!, Grizz and his bro hanging in We Bare Bears, the “bromise” in Gumball and bros singing to each other, reaching out from behind a glass cage of emotion in Teen Titans Go!, as well as their tickling game and Apple and Onion’s ‘the floor is lava’ game, he plays with the colourful entertainment to make his afternoon fun. As a result, a breakthrough in making his brother laugh occurs!
EPISODE 7: Load shedding P2
Release date: 19 December
Faced with a scary walk in the dark to buy candles at the spaza shop, Taps must convince his brother to join him. Encouraged by Mao Mao’s ‘Don’t be afraid of the dark’, Cartoon Network comes to the rescue as they learn the power of their bond. Finally, Garcia opens his mind to the imagination of Cartoon Network, and it ends with the two brothers uniting together into the Imagination Room!
The global streaming service has teamed up with the local youth choir to cover a song from the holiday film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Adventure
Netflix has partnered up with the award-winning Ndlovu Youth Choir to perform a cover of the song called, Square Root of Possible, from the holiday film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Adventure.
The music video, shot in Johannesburg, is a beautiful display of Mzansi’s diverse talent.
The song is sung in 6 of the 12 official languages – English, seTswana, seSotho, isiZulu, isiNdebele and sePedi. “The challenge of recording a cover of this catchy tune was staying true to the song, especially when translating it to our 6 official languages. Because it is such a beautiful song, we really wanted to do it justice and so we practiced for hours on end to ensure that we brought it life in a way that stayed true to the song while also encapsulating our African flare.’’ – Nonhlanhla Somo, lead singer of the Ndlovu Youth Choir. The song was transformed from an American style theatrical piece, to a song that is intrinsically African, that will surely inspire all those who listen to it.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of the world’s most treasured groups, known for their unique vocal arrangements, infectious energy and have inspired countless individuals around the world. “ Our music helps people become the best version of themselves” – Ralf Shmidt, Choir Director.
A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within. From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert and featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and “This Day” performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility.
Written and Directed by David E. Talbert Produced by Lyn Sisson-Talbert, p.g.a., David E. Talbert, p.g.a., Kristin Burr, p.g.a., John Legend, Mike Jackson, David McIlvain Cast: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Ricky Martin, Kieron Dyer, Justin Cornwell, Lisa Davina Phillip, Hugh Bonneville
About Netflix:
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service. Present in over 190 countries, its 195 million paying subscribers enjoy series, documentaries and feature films in a wide variety of genres and languages. Netflix subscribers can watch the series and films they want, when they want, where they want, and on any screen connected to the Internet. They can also play, pause or continue to enjoy, and all without ads or commitments to stay.
FM AdFocus Agency of the Year Triple Eight’s time has come!
The FM AdFocus Awards 2020 Agency of the Year is Triple Eight. Walking away with the prestigious title for the second time, the agency also took the title in 2019.
Although not the first agency in AdFocus history to have won the award consecutively, Triple Eight has achieved this feat in a year that no-one could have predicted with COVID-19, leading to countries, including South Africa, going into lockdown impacting on businesses including agencies and their clients.
Despite a loss of three-quarters of their campaigns in March this year, Triple Eight still grew their business and added new clients and team members to their business. No surprise that the agency also won the inaugural Adaptability Award, that recognises an agency that has adapted successfully to 2020’s new paradigm by embracing flexibility, manoeuvrability and has risen above the panic and disruption of an unusual year.
The agency was also named Specialist Agency of the Year and took home the Transformation and African Impact Awards – categories the agency also won in 2019.
FM AdFocus Awards 2020/21 Chairperson, Tumi Rabanye says in the Specialist Category, Triple Eight stood out for its leadership in the areas of purpose and development. “In the Transformation Award, the agency demonstrated that transformation is a lived experience which transcends race and CSI.”
Rabanye adds that this was especially compelling given that the Transformation Award elicited robust discussion by the jury. “The industry needs to urgently move past the BEE scorecard and live transformation where critical business decisions are made,” expands Rabanye.
Triple Eight’s entry stood out head and shoulders in the African Impact category, demonstrating both their purpose and the extent to which they are developmentally led on the continent. “There is no question that their time has come,” says Rabanye.
Student Award
All three finalists were strong contenders for this award and good examples of the resilience displayed by the class of 2020. The winner Dominic Hobbs, of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) presented an incredible portfolio. The student jury called his approach to media, and the ease with which he mixed medias and disciplines, “extremely exciting”.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year’s Lifetime Achiever and Industry Leader Awards were both unanimous decisions by the jury.
Lifetime Achiever, Bernice Samuels, currently MTN chief marketing officer, boasts a career that spans large multinationals within the telecoms, broadcasting, information technology, financial services and brewing sectors and iconic and impactful campaigns. “Bernice is an individual for whom every jury member has the utmost respect and admiration,” states the jury.
Industry Leader
AdFocus Industry Leader 2020, Peter Khoury, chief creative officer of TBWA Hunt Lascaris, is described by the jury as “a man without airs and graces, he is universally admired in the industry and as such, a worthy recipient of the title Industry Leader of the Year”.
Shapeshifter
2020 Shapeshifter, Melusi Mlu Mhlungu, based in Miami, is remarkable for his bravery. While he could have settled for success locally, he has had the courage to move to new shores where he is continuing to create superb work. “The industry should be proud of him given the inspiration that he provides,” says the jury.
The winners of all the FM AdFocus Awards 2020 were crowned at a small gathering at The Empire Conference and Events venue in Parktown. Financial Mail would like to thank this year’s sponsors IAS, Scopen, The MediaShop and Ornico.
ADFOCUS AWARDS 2020 WINNERS
AGENCY OF THE YEAR Triple Eight
SMALL AGENCY OF THE YEAR Rogerwilco
MEDIUM AGENCY OF THE YEAR DUKE
LARGE AGENCY OF THE YEAR Joe Public (Pty) Ltd
PR AGENCY OF THE YEAR Eclipse Communications
SPECIALISED AGENCY OF THE YEAR Triple Eight
IAS PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR M&C Saatchi Abel & Takealot
TRANSFORMATION AWARD Triple Eight
AFRICAN IMPACT AWARD Triple Eight
ADAPTABILITY AWARD Triple Eight
NETWORK MEDIA AGENCY The MediaShop
STUDENT AWARD Dominic Hobbs – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
LIFETIME ACHIEVER Bernice Samuels
INDUSTRY LEADER Peter Gabriel Khoury
SHAPESHIFTER Melusi Mlu Mhlungu
FM Creative Challenge Award
Also announced on the evening was the winner of the FM Creative Challenge. This year the Award went to King James for their ad ‘Black lives don’t matter’ for Blackboard Organisation. King James and The Brave Group were finalists for their client ads for Durex and Rose’s Cordial “SBWL Hawaii” respectively. The creative Challenge features run of paper adverts that publish in the Financial Mail during September and October.
Gone in 60 Seconds: Watch Carte Blanche, this Sunday 29 November 2020 at 19:00, only on M-Net
I N V E S T I G A T I O N S
Gone in 60 Seconds: The Latest High-tech Car Con
No threats, no guns, no violence – but your car is gone in the blink of an eye. It’s the 2020 incarnation of a sophisticated con that gets you to part with the keys to your high-end luxury vehicle – with a smile. A scam so slick that it’s left victims baffled after they willingly parted with their cars to complete strangers. Carte Blanche investigates.
Producer: Nicky Troll | Presenter: Claire Mawisa
Vultures: Killings in the Kruger
Known as the “clean-up crew”, vultures are some of the most important animals in the wild. But across the Kruger National Park, hundreds of these scavengers have been found dead and the weapon of choice is poison. Already endangered, some experts believe that these birds of prey may be targeted for their body parts to be sold in muthi markets. But poison is indiscriminate and along with vultures, some lions and leopards have also been killed. Carte Blanche seeks answers.
It’s said that there’s almost nothing you can’t buy on the black market. In the streets of Cairo in Egypt, where poverty is rife, there’s another more terrifying industry – the sale of human body parts. Around the world, there’s a serious shortage of transplant organs. But here in this ancient city, hundreds of African migrants and refugees who pass through Egypt on the way to Europe, become fodder in this dangerous underworld where organs are harvested from the poor. Desperate patients with deep pockets – often in need of a kidney – line up and pay big bucks for an illegal organ. In this special investigation, a team of journalists go into the heart of the human organ trade.
Producer: BBC Panaroma
C E L E B R A T I O N S
Rugby Legend Frik du Preez – Happy 85th Birthday!
He dropped, he placed, he scored! Legendary rugby player Frik du Preez could break open a game and score out of nowhere. Few, it’s been said, would ever match his all-round prowess as a forward and a back rolled into one. As COVID-19’s social distancing rules ruined any chances of a big party, Carte Blanche got in on the surprise – a special celebration, with warm tributes as fellow sport legends shared well wishes and the stories that turned him into a rugby giant.
Producers: Stenette Grosskopf, Hendrik Hancke & Niel van Deventer | Presenter: Macfarlane Moleli
Above the Clouds
When Tim Slab took on the highest highline in South Africa, it was quite literally a mountain to climb. Nestled between two peaks in the Drakensberg and at 3200 metres above sea level, the adrenaline enthusiast leapt at the opportunity to accomplish a feat very few will ever even attempt – to walk above the clouds. It was an adventure he simply couldn’t pass up. But when the rain, mist and 65 km/h winds set in, he almost had to abandon his mission.
