The South African film industry has grown immensely throughout the years, starting from humble beginnings. It continues to move in an upward trajectory with the assistance of grants such as the Netflix Creative Equity Grant, which aims to improve the overall film industry by providing state-of-the-art equipment and technology to TV and film students.
If you are looking for more locally produced content, you have come to the right place, here is a good place to start with this list of South African films you can check out:
Lobola Man
This Netflix original follows popular media personality Lawrence Maleke’s character, Ace Ngubeni who is a master negotiator. “Ace Ngubeni, a slick lobola negotiator, faces his toughest deal yet for a shy client – only to find the stakes are higher than cash,” explains Netflix.
This romcom is a must-watch as it not only offers great entertainment in the form of seasoned acting, but the production quality is next to none.
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Heart of the Hunter
Although this is another Netflix original, this film explores a genre that is rarely explored in South African films. According to film critics Rotten Tomatoes, it is a film where “the quiet retirement of a once-feared assassin in South Africa is interrupted by a desperate call from the daughter of an old and trusted friend whose father has been kidnapped. He uncovers a conspiracy at the heart of the government.”
The assassin in question is played by none other than ‘The Wife’ star Bonko Khoza, who has made a name for himself when it comes to fully embodying a character, making it as believable as possible. The cast also includes veterans Masasa Mbangeni as well as Connie Ferguson.
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Two Sides
From the producers of the multi-award-winning Chasing the Sun 1 and 2, this documentary is an excellent display of the quality of film produced in South Africa. Similarly to the abovementioned films, Two Sides offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Springbok during the British & Irish Lions tour, which like the Olympics, occurs only once every four years.
“Two Sides not only takes us into the Springbok changing room but also shows the British & Irish Lions up close, giving a palpable sense of the passion and sacrifice required for someone to don the famous red jersey. Travelling from Lukhanyo Am’s family in the Eastern Cape to the hometown of Liam Williams in South Wales, the series gives so many great personal stories from the players as well as their relatives that it truly tells both sides of the story,” explains Showmax.
As a member of one of the greatest rugby nations, watching this documentary might count as a display of patriotism of the highest level.
The Shakedown
This is a particularly special film, as it is the very first South African Amazon Prime original. The crime comedy, featuring Julia Anastasopoulo, Carl Buekes, Jack Parrow and many more seasoned actors, follows Justin Diamond, played by Carl, “a well-known medical aid broker who becomes embroiled in the mother city’s underworld when his mistress threatens to reveal the truth about their affair…This sends him down a path filled with dangerous criminals, misplaced identities and comic mishaps as he desperately tries to keep his reputation and regain control of his life,” says Variety.
The film is set in the scenic Mother City.
Also see: First South African original film to premier on Amazon Prime Video
