South African Filmmaking

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The Weekend Online Course for Screenwriters is here to guide you every step of the way—from sparking inspiration to crafting compelling ideas, characters, and plots, all the way to writing your first pages. Presented by The Writing Studio, this enriching online course will be held on Saturdays from 2 pm to 5 pm on June 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025. Read more

Pappa Lap is a classic 1971 Afrikaans drama directed by Jans Rautenbach with Koos Roets as cinematographer. It explores the touching relationship between a widowed father and his 17-year-old daughter. The story revolves around her dreams of attending her matric farewell in a beautiful dress, while her father secretly sacrifices his beloved pigeons to make her dream come true. VIEW FILM

Coming Up In May

  • A story of friendship, adventure, and rediscovering joy in old age, the South African comedy-drama Die Kwiksilwers features a widow in her 80s and her three elderly friends as they embark on a hilarious road trip across the Karoo to witness a meteor shower in Sutherland. In cinemas from 2 May. Review
  • The South African drama Sabbatical follows a successful investment banker Lesego  (Mona Monyane), who unexpectedly returns to her childhood home in Thorntree, South Africa, after being suspended for financial misconduct. In cinemas from 9 May.
  • Die Dekonstruksie van Retta Blom is a South African drama that tells of a woman (Antoinette Louw)  who believes her life is perfect—until she discovers that her husband of 26 years has been living a double life. In cinemas from 23 May.

The South African drama A Kind Of Madness follows a 70-year-old man who abducts his wife, who is suffering from dementia, from her retirement home. Together, they go on the run, pursued by both the police and their adult children.  It is directed by Christiaan Olwagen and stars Sandra Prinsloo, Ian Roberts, Ashley de Lange. It’s a poignant tale that explores themes of love, memory, and defiance. Now in cinemas 11 April. Read more / Trailer

Hunting Jessica Brok is South African action-thriller following Jessica Brok, a retired special forces agent who must battle a group of vengeful psychopaths and survive the African wilderness to rescue her kidnapped daughter. Directed by Alastair Orr, it stars Danica De La Rey Jones as Jessica Brok and Clyde Berning as Daniel Conner. Now in cinemas Read more

FILMS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

CINEMA OF SOUTH AFRICA

As the industry evolves, South African cinema remains a powerful medium for exploring diverse perspectives and engaging audiences both locally and internationally. The future holds great promise for even more groundbreaking and thought-provoking films to emerge from this vibrant and dynamic industry.

The South African film industry has a fascinating history that reflects the country’s complex socio-political landscape.

Here’s a brief overview:

Early Beginnings

  • 1895: The first motion pictures were shown in South Africa, with the Kinetoscope being introduced in Johannesburg.
  • 1896: Carl Hertz brought a projector from England. He screened the first production at the Empire Palace of Varieties in Johannesburg.

Apartheid Era

  • 1940s-1980s: The rise of apartheid had a profound impact on South African cinema. Films were heavily censored, and the industry predominantly depicted the lives of white South Africans1.
  • 1960s: Filmmakers like Lionel Ngakane and Peter Hunt emerged. They aimed to counter the dominant apartheid narrative. They also wanted to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Black South Africans.
  • 1980s: Films like Cry Freedom and A Dry White Season challenged the apartheid regime and gained international recognition.

Post-Apartheid Era

  • 1994: The end of apartheid marked a new era for South African cinema. This change allowed filmmakers to explore a broader range of subjects.

After 2000, the South African film industry experienced a significant transformation, marked by increased international recognition and a surge in local productions

  • 2000s: South African films like Tsotsi and gained international acclaim, showcasing the talent and creativity of local filmmakers.
  • 2005: Tsotsi, directed by Gavin Hood, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. This achievement put South African cinema on the global map.
  • 2009: District 9 , directed by Neill Blomkamp, gained international acclaim. It blended science fiction with social commentary. The film showcased South Africa’s unique backdrop.
  • 2017: Inxeba (The Wound) directed by John Trengove sparked discussions about cultural taboos and identity within the Xhosa community.

Growth & Support

  • Government Initiatives: The South African government introduced various incentives to boost the film industry. They offered support programs, including tax rebates and funding for local productions.
  • Cape Town Film Studios: Established as a world-class production facility, attracting international filmmakers and productions.
  • Durban International Film Festival: Became a prominent platform for showcasing South African and international films, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.

Streaming platforms have had a significant impact on the South African film industry, both positively and negatively

Positive Impacts

  • Increased Accessibility: Streaming platforms like Netflix, Showmax, and Disney+ have made South African films more accessible to a global audience. This has helped local filmmakers reach viewers beyond South Africa’s borders.
  • Diverse Content: These platforms have invested in local content, producing and distributing South African films and series. This has led to a surge in diverse storytelling and representation.
  • Revenue Growth: The rise of streaming services has contributed to the growth of the South African entertainment industry. The over-the-top (OTT) streaming industry in South Africa is the largest on the continent, generating significant revenue.

Negative Impacts

  • Decline in Cinema Attendance: The convenience and affordability of streaming services have led to a decline in cinema attendance. This has affected traditional cinema chains, with some closing down locations and reducing their workforce.
  • Competition for Viewers: Streaming platforms have created stiff competition for traditional broadcasters and cinemas, leading to a shift in consumer preferences. This has forced local cinema chains to adapt and diversify their offerings.
  • Economic Challenges: The rise of streaming services has also highlighted economic challenges faced by traditional cinema operators, such as load-shedding and consumer spending constraints.

Overall, while streaming platforms have opened up new opportunities for South African filmmakers and increased the visibility of local content, they have also posed challenges for traditional cinema chains and broadcasters. The industry continues to adapt to these changes, striving to balance the benefits of streaming with the unique experiences offered by cinemas.