The development of motion picture, since the first screening on a projector in 1895, has been phenomenal especially when compared to what 2019 has to offer. These are the telenovelas, films, doccies and shows that roundup the best of the best to enjoy now, be it via YouTube, Netflix, Showmax or the good-old DSTV decoder and movie house.

HOT NOW: FILM & DOCCIES

The Black Godfather

In a new Netflix documentary, the striking career of music executive Clarence Avant is revealed by those he has worked with, from Barack Obama to Snoop Dogg. Known as the celebrity’s celebrity who knows everybody and is respected by everybody, this documentary shapes the brilliance of industry networking genius Clarence Avant.

When They See Us

Already the most-watched series on Netflix in the US since its premiere, there is no time like the present to watch the 4-part film that respectfully depicts the true story of the boys whom they called the Central Park Five. Created, written and directed by Ava DuVernay with Oprah Winfrey as Executive Producer, it painfully unpacks the unfortunate failure of the U.S. criminal justice system in allowing for the victory of justice during the Central Park Five case.

Capernaum

This 2018 Lebanese drama film debuted at the Cannes International Film Festival and won the Jury Prize after receiving a standing ovation. Having left his negligent parents, committing a violent crime and being sentenced to five years in jail, a 12-year-old Lebanese boy sues his parents in protest of the life he has had to endure because of them. This harrowing tale of the effects of child neglect on youth, is now showing as selected cinemas.



HOT NOW: SERIES

Giyani: Land of Blood, Season 1

Representation matters. For as long as we can all remember, local television has mainly presented conversation in English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, seSotho and seTswana. Giyani: Land of Blood, is a Xitsonga telenovela which since its launch, has reminded us all why representation matters. This colourful depiction of Xitsonga culture plays from Monday – Wednesday evenings from 21:30pm.

Shadow

This South African tv series featuring the likes of Pallance Dladla and Amanda du-Pont in lead roles is phenomenal. Shadow has all the exciting elements one would expect from a world-class action series through explosions, speed racing and gunfire scenes in every episode.






BUBBLING UNDER: SERIES

Being Bonang, Season 3

This July, a new season of Being Bonang hits screens on 1 Magic. This much-loved series which has audiences as far as the USA, launches with its’ much anticipated third season With so much that has been happening in the life of the queen of living life to the fullest, audiences are promised a season filled with exclusive content that highlights the day-to-day endeavours of her life.

Living The Dream With Somizi,  Season 4

Somizi Mhlongo has remained an undisputed powerhouse in the South African entertainment industry since 1992. We’ve seen his career evolve from acting as an extra in Sarafina! to owning choreography in South Africa and building an entertainment brand around that and more. The upcoming season 4 of Living The Dream with Somizi will showcase how SomGAGA  shows that there is no age limit to pursuing one’s dreams.

Mindy Kaling Netflix Show

A new comedy from executive producers Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher is due to commence production in July 2019. If anyone has ever watched the Mindy Kaling Project, The Office or Brooklyn Nine-Nin, they would know that her natural ability to shape humour in its many forms is unmatched. The show, currently untitled, will be based on Kaling’s experiences as a first generation, Indian-American teenager.

BUBBLING UNDER: FILM & DOCCIES

The Lion King

Walt Disney Pictures first released this classic animation in 1994. A remake of this cultural marvel will see the likes of block-buster making names such as James Earl Jones, Seth Rogen, Donald Glover, our very own legend John Kani and of course Beyoncé Knowles Carter. The film releases worldwide from July 2019 onwards.

Calling Down Fire

Writer and co-author of Born to Kwaito, Sihle Mthembu, is currently pitching a biopic of Busi Mhlongo, titled Calling Down Fire. The trailer took Twitter by surprise since MaMhlongo is one of our most iconic but underrepresented songwriters and performers of our time. The documentary currently features interviews from the likes of greats such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Somizi and Simphiwe Dana.

Milstead, The Film

The Arts and Culture Editor of The Mail & Guardian, Milisuthando Bongela, is currently working on her debut documentary. The doccie is a “coming-of-age story – exploring how black and white people first lived together after 342 years of racial segregation. The documentary is currently in production and looking for any SA domestic/home videos from 1990-2010 to include in the documentary. If you’d like to share your VHS or any other formatted video then feel free to contact Bongela via her social media platforms.