IOL TV Issue 2

ISSUE 2, AUGUST 2020

TV MEET SA’S FIRST ‘BACHELORETTE’

BLACK & PROUD #METOO

SA actresses expose sexual harassment in the industry NOLLYWOOD

brings the heat

Magazine ‘Indian Matchmaking’ with

SIMA TAPARIA

“When I was younger, I was almost too afraid to admit that I wanted to be an actor. I didn’t know any successful actors in Kenya, so I felt like I could get away with going to college to study film more easily than I could with saying, ‘I want to be an actor’. That’s what I did.”

Don’t miss Lupita Nyong’o in BBC Earth’s Warrior Women, where she reveals - in a powerful and emotional journey - that reallife warrior women, in armies 4000-strong, fought African and European powers alike from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

CATCH THE SHOW ON DSTV CHANNEL 184, THURSDAY AUGUST 6 AT 8PM

‘WARRIOR WOMEN’

FROM THE EDITOR THIS Women’s Month, we celebrate the actors ruling the roost on television and streaming platforms. Through their characters, they inspire and empower while taking viewers on incredible journeys. Of course, we all have our favourite stars and shows.

I was elated to learn that Watchmen, which is helmed by the incredibly talented Regina King, bagged 26 nominations for the 72nd annual Primetime Emmys. If you haven’t watched the series, do so. She delivers a tourde-force performance.

In addition to looking into the recent sexual harassment scandal on the set of a popular TV show, we spotlight the game-changers in the industry. Meanwhile, viewers yearning for something different are gravitating towards content from Nollywood and Asia. We unpack the female-centric offerings to watch.

At home, South Africans are delighted to see transformation in reality TV as Qiniso Van Damme helms M-Net’s The Bachelorette SA. A fan favourite from the second instalment of The Bachelor SA, Van Damme is hoping her search will be fruitful the second time around.

While on the topic, of looking for love Netflix’s controversial dating series, Indian Matchmaking, is the one to watch. It’s got the country and the world talking. Mumbai-based marriage consultant, Sima Taparia, is now everyone’s favourite matchmaking aunty.

Trust me, you will love her.

We hope you enjoy this Women’s Month edition and would love to hear from you!

Debashine

‘BOSS BITCH’

EDITOR | DEBASHINE THANGEVELO | debashine.thangevelo@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE EDITOR LIFESTYLE | NELANDRI NARIANAN

STAR The Bachelorette SA kicks off with Qiniso Van Damme, who is chuffed to be representing “brown girls”, and wants to bring love back into the conversation through her journey on the show, writes DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

B

EING first comes naturally to Qiniso Van Damme. A fan favourite on season two of The Bachelor SA, she was the first to step on to the red carpet and greet the ruggedly handsome, Marc Buckner. She also got the first kiss on the show. While she was eliminated in the Top 6 stage – the journey is not over.

We chatted days after M-Net announced her as The Bachelorette SA and she was on cloud nine. “It’s been, ‘Wow’. I’m also trying to absorb the information as everyone else,” she admitted.

Born to a Belgian father and a mother, who is half Swazi and half Zulu, Van Damme is proud of her roots. On being chosen for the new reality show, she enthused: “Yassss, Queen, we out here.

“It is a huge deal for me because when you are growing up and you are a brown girl and you don’t see Disney princesses that are brown or brown girl love stories being central in the media or in anything, you kind of feel like, ‘Okay, there is no place for me here’. “I really feel like in me sharing my story, sharing my journey, sharing my love story with everyone, those little girls out there will feel like, you know what, I’m not going to settle. And people my own age will be like, ‘Hey, let’s kickstart my love journey again. Let’s start believing in love, again, during this hopeless time’.”

She added: “I want to bring love back into our conversations.”

The 20-something model and actress, who has two degrees under her belt, is currently completing her Masters in Social Anthropology at the University of Cape Town.

Adventurous and outgoing, Van Damme is fluent in isiZulu, isiSwati and isiXhosa.

On what she learnt from her experience on The Bachelor SA, Van Damme shared: “I went into the experience with the mindset of I know what I want, I know who I am and I know this person could be for me, let me give it a go. And that surety definitely dwindled over a couple of days. So it really challenged and tested me.”

The biggest takeaway is her growth. “You know what, I realised it’s good to be kind.

It’s okay to be who you are.

It’s okay to be bubbly and loud and maybe this man might not be the one for you, but that’s okay.

“We thank people for stopping by on our love journeys.

We thank them for the lessons they taught us. Before I was sure but now I’m extremely certain, I know what I want.” On what SA’s hunky hopefuls can expect: “I have no plan. I’m just going to be myself. Be as honest with my feelings and as honest as I can be with the gentlemen, who are pausing their lives to be on this journey.

I’m going to approach it the same way I did The Bachelor SA. Just be myself and open my heart.

“My name Qiniso means truth. My mom named me the truth because she felt I was a true representation of what love between cultural lines can look like.

“Being mixed race, my whole life I’ve been exposed to how love can happen in different ways. I’m just looking for my person. Be they Korean, Ghanian or Afrikaans South African… if I fall in love with the person, I fall in love with that person.”

THE BACHELORETTE SA WILL DEBUT ON M-NET (DSTV CHANNEL 101) EARLY NEXT YEAR.

QINISO Van Damme has been chosen as M-Net’s The Bachelorette SA.

TALK

N Indian Matchmaking is one of the most popular and controversial shows on Netflix.

In South Africa, and around the globe, Sima Taparia, a marriage consultant from Mumbai, has become the most talkedabout person. While entertaining, she’s been heavily criticised for adopting a regressive approach to matchmaking.

Indian Matchmaking has come under fire for celebrating sexism, colourism and a patriarchal mindset. The show also exposes the struggles of darker-skinned and outspoken independent women.

Whatever your thoughts on the show, though, there is no avoiding Sima’s crazy comments, especially with demanding clients like Aparna Shewakramani, a 34-year-old lawyer, who hates being a lawyer and is very “picky” when it comes to chosing a life partner.

In being a matchmaker for wealthy families, Sima has to pander to their requests.

E W ON NETFLIX DEBASHINE THANGEVELO However, she doesn’t hold her tongue when it comes to criticising them for being unreasonable with their expectations. Aparna’s refusal to compromise and jeweller and amateur chef Pradhyman Malloo’s non-committal attitude drives Sima to seek out a little help from her pool of experts.

In some ways, Sima manipulates situations by limiting the options of difficult individuals.

In this way, they are coerced into going on a date with someone that might not be their cup of masala tea.

TEN OUTRAGEOUS COMMENTS FROM SIMA: “Marriages nowadays are like biscuits, they keep breaking.”

“In India nowadays, the boy or girl can refuse to get married. They have full freedom, so how will things go smoothly?”

“She’s very nice but she’s short. This will not match.”

“If the females are lawyers in India, people are scared.”

“She now 34, then she didn’t find any good boy.” This was the comment to Aparna’s mom.

“Aparna has to compromise... you have to compromise, and you have to adjust.”

“They want tall. They want fair. They want from a good family.”

“She’s tall, slim, trip-educated, from a good family.”

If anybody comes to me with a child, I mostly don’t take that case.”

“They’re saying, ‘I want slim, tall and beautiful, but with a good nature’.”

‘INDIAN MATCHMAKING’

THE DATING SHOW WE NEED RIGHT NOW

From overbearing personalities to outrageous demands, the show explores the complexities of arranged marriages in a modern age... BY MARCHELLE ABRAHAMS

I’M REALLY into dating shows right now…

I shamefully binge on them when I have a moment to myself.

Lately, Netflix has been delivering with its unscripted dating reality TV shows. With Dating Around, I found the simple, unfiltered format a refreshing departure from the usual run-ofthe-mill series.

Netflix have another winner with Indian Matchmaking. It gives viewers a peek inside the world of arranged marriages. In the series, matchmaker Sima Taparia guides clients in the US and India in the arranged marriage process.

It’s a custom that many think has no place in modern society, but it’s borne the fruit of a love that’s thrived over years of mutual respect and sacrifice.

I’m hoping that’s the message

the series is trying to convey.

It’s interesting to note that after the series premiere, it received quite the backlash online. Is it over the top? Yes. Are the mothers extra and overbearing? You bet.

But that’s what makes for scintillating reality TV. Through a series of complicated formulas, astrology charts and even face readings, Taparia, or Aunty Sima as she is affectionately known, matches potential partners. Does she get it right?

Sometimes.

The series follows a group of singles with one goal: they want to find love with someone from the same cultural background. It sounds easy enough but for these unlucky-in-love test subjects, dating has become a maze of false starts. Their last resort is Taparia.

When introduced to Houston

lawyer Aparna in the first episode, she’s adamant that Taparia matches her with someone who ticks all her boxes. Wedding planner Nadia, originally from Guyana, finds herself on the rejection list when it comes to every Indian guy she’s met. Pradhyuman, born into money, isn’t ready for commitment but pressure from his family has him struggling to find “the One”. Vyasar just wants someone he can share his love for comics and movies with.

So, what do you get when you bring all these characters together and tell their stories in an enthralling and totally absorbing way? You get a dating show that has binge-worthy appeal.

INDIAN MATCHMAKING IS CURRENTLY STREAMING ON NETFLIX

BIG BROTHER NAIJA ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER THE fifth season of Big Brother Naija (#BBNaija) recently debuted on DStv. If season four, which ranked third for SA’s most popular hashtag with 590 000 mentions last year, is anything to go by, this lockdown version is not to be missed.

Aside from the unfolding drama as personalities clash and click, expect plenty of twists as the contestants keep their eye firmly on the grand prize.

BELOW ARE FIVE REASONS TO TUNE IN:

Big Brother contestant is trying to figure out who to get close to and who will use the information you’ve given them against you. Expect to see contestants team up to form alliances hoping to get closer to the jackpot, only to find that they are being played.

The new faces: One of the positive things about Big Brother Naija is the introduction to new faces. Some of these individuals go on to carve successful careers in the industry post the show.

The relationships: Get ready for the hook-ups, the love triangles, the various relationship dynamics, friends who become foes and much more! It is always interesting to watch as you never know what to expect from the Big Brother Naija contestants.

New twists: The Covid-19 pandemic brings a new kind of adventure; we know viewers are curious to see what is in store and just how the game will be played this year. Expect a few interesting curveballs on the show.

The alliances and backstabbing: The difficulty of being a

The big news: This season boasts the highest prize for a

reality TV show on the continent, with N30 million being awarded to the winner. In addition, the winner will receive a two-bedroom apartment courtesy Revolution Plus; a top of the range SUV from Nigerian automaker, Innoson Motors; a trip to Dublin courtesy Guinness; home appliances courtesy Scanfrost; a trip to Dubai packaged by Travelbeta; a year’s supply of Indomie noodles, Munch it and Colgate toothpaste; a year’s supply of Pepsi, a branded chiller and a trip to watch the UEFA Champions League finale; and, a brand new Oppo mobile smartphone. And there are plenty more surprises in store.

BIG BROTHER NAIJA SEASON FIVE IS BROADCAST LIVE AND 24/7 ON DSTV CHANNEL 198. VIEWERS CAN CATCH THE CONDENSED VERSION AT 8PM ON SUNDAYS ON AFRICA MAGIC URBAN (DSTV CHANNEL 153).

ADESUWA Etomi, Bisola Aiyelola and Bimbo Ademoye in Sugar Rush. | Netflix

NOLLYWOOD PHENOMENON OF LATE, I have been devouring content from different parts of the world, especially movies, on Netflix. Whether you prefer a comedy, drama, action, suspense or something that homes in on social issues, the catalogue appeases every appetite. Many of the movies boast a high production value and is underpinned by a relatable storyline.

Below are five movies worth setting aside some time for as it is anchored by strong female characters.

SO MUCH CHOICE, SO LITTLE TIME. A DILEMMA FACED BY MOST, NO DOUBT.

Lionheart: Lead actress Genevieve Nnaji made her directorial debut in this movie.

The story centres on Adaeze Obiagu (Nnaji), who is the director of Logistics and Operations at Lionheart. The leading bus transport company was founded by her father, Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie).

On the cusp of a major government deal, Ernest suffers a health setback. He gets his younger brother, Godswill (Nkem Owoh), to fill in for him until he’s able to return to his

post. The news doesn’t bode well for the company, though, as the bank calls in its loan.

Adaeze, with the full support of her street-smart uncle, is forced to think out of the box to save the company.

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO SHARES THE FIVE HOTTEST NIGERIAN MOVIES ROCKING THE DIASPORA...

Alakada Reloaded: In the third instalment of the Alakada franchise, a young woman, embarrassed by her family’s financial woes, gets herself into a predicament by creating a false impression of being wealthy to several people.

Helming this comedy is actress and filmmaker, Toyin Abraham.

Skin: The toxic legacy of colourism is visited in this docufilm. Nollywood actress Beverly Naya explores black beauty and the practice of skin bleaching in African culture. It includes heartbreaking accounts of the irreversible damages many are forced to live with.

Isoken: This rom-com will resonate with fans of Indian Matchmaking. The story is about Isoken, played by Dakore Akande. Confident, beautiful and young, she seems to have a perfect life. However, her family disagrees. Her single status is becoming a bone of contention for them.

Sugar Rush: A fun action comedy with Adesua Etomi, Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye in the lead. The story follows the Sugar sisters, who stumble across $800 000 in the house of a corrupt Chief Douglas. They decide to relieve him of his ill-gotten gains.

KATLEGO GETS HER HUSTLE ON

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

MZANSi Magic’s Gomora debuted on the small screen shortly after South Africa went into a hard lockdown to control the spread of Covid-19.

Despite production grounding to a halt before resuming, viewers have bonded well with the cast as well as Katlego Danke as Thathi.

I’ve followed the actress for the better part of her career, especially her soapie roles in Backstage, Generations and Isidingo. Danke, truly owns the screen in Gomora, where she slips into the skin of her “hustler” character with finesse.

She said: “My first reaction was excitement at the opportunity to tell the story of a character who was quite different from the women I’ve played before. I was nervous at the prospect of starting a production from scratch and gaining the attention of viewers from their regular and favourite programmes. I also felt grateful for the opportunity to work with Seriti Films since I had seen them do amazing work with other productions.”

Thathi has in a way fallen from grace. Having enjoyed suburban life with her affluent husband, Mbongeni, a change in circumstances has seen back in the township.

Danke explained: “Thathi was able to walk away from Sandton and leave that world there but now Sandton has seemingly found her again and she must account for the person she was to others when she was living the high life. I think that this taste of karma is a bit harsh but it’s also sobering for her and she can now see clearly.”

Being the daughter of Mam’Sonto (Connie Chiume), who was forced to explore the lucrative side of crime to raise Thathi and her younger sister Pretty (Siyasanga Papu), Thathi decides to join the high-tech world of hijacking.

And Mam’Sonto is onboard with her moral deviation. On being at the forefront of the show, which also stars Thembi Seete, Zolisa Xaluva, Ntobeko Sishi and more, the actress admitted: “It’s quite a responsibility being in the position I’m in. I feel very honoured to have been given the opportunity. It is also made easy by the amazing cast and crew I have the pleasure and honour to work with who are really like a family.”

GOMORA AIRS ON MZANSI MAGIC (DSTV CHANNEL 161) ON WEEKDAYS AT 7.30PM.

ROSIE O’Donnell as Lisa Sheffer, a social worker at the Hatch Forensic Institute, in I Know This Much Is True.

ROLE OF A LIFETIME ROSIE O’Donnell has some serious acting mileage behind her. She may be foul-mouthed on stage, but the comedian, who is also a producer, author and former talk show host, never fails to impress in every role.

Cast as Lisa Sheffer, a social worker at the Hatch Forensic Ins titute, she holds her own against Mark Ruffalo, who plays identical twin brothers, Dominic and Thomas Birdsey.

On breathing life into the character, she shared: “I felt completely free as an artist. Derek (Cianfrance) is such an amazing director and he says things like, ‘I can’t tell you how to act, but I can tell you that he shouldn’t be so bossy to you. It’s up to you.’ (laughs). Those are the kinds of notes he would give you. On the first day I was really anxious, it was my first scene, and it’s a long scene and we did that on day one. I was so worried because

The seasoned actress says her social worker role in HBO’s I Know This Much Is True, is a dream come true, writes DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

I had never had a scene that long as an actress.”

Having read the book when it first came out, she sang the praises of the small screen adaptation.

The 50-something actress says this was a dream role for her and she didn’t hesitate to chop her tresses to get into character.

She added: “Well, this was any actress’s dream role – they don’t come along a lot. And it’s not like there is a shortage of women – and then some – who could have done justice to this role. I was lucky that

I was trusted with it and I felt so grateful. With my career I don’t regret or resent anything but you know, I played the funny girl – of course, I’m a stand-up comic. I played the best friend and that’s a great thing to do, and it’s a lovely tradition of women who have done it and I feel honoured to be part of it. But to get to play that kind of Geraldine Page role is something else.

“And I knew it would take until I was in my sixties to get a chance and I’m 58 so it happened two years earlier but these are the kind of roles that I hope to do in the future, that I hope to get offered and get to play again with people like this. I told Derek, ‘Any movie you want to do I’m in’ - we have a deal (laughs).”

I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE AIRS ON M-NET (DSTV CHANNEL 101) ON THURSDAY AT 10PM.

ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

Best female scene stealers

BOSS BITCH

MATRIARCH

VILLIANESS

Elektra on POSE

Lindiwe Dikana on THE RIVER

Harriet Khoza on THE QUEEN

Season 1 was so well received that FX renewed the show for a second season. Elektra is played by Dominique Jackson, a transgender women. Her character is real, authentic, straightforward and reads people for filth.

She may come across as evil but she is fighting to survive in a world that doesn’t respect transgender women.

Award winning actress Sindi Dlathu plays Lindiwe Dikana.

Lindiwe is the enigmatic owner of Khanyisa Diamond Mine. She had to sacrifice a great deal to get to her level of success. And she is a force to be reckoned with, especially if anyone threatens her family. She buries secrets with the same singlemindedness as she does burying bodies. She’s a complex women and compelling to watch.

The legendary Connie Ferguson plays Harriet Khoza. Her character is gutsy and dangerous. She is the matriarch of the Khoza family.

Aside from being a doting wife, she is a shrewd businesswoman.

She can be as calculated as she is compassionate. From an early age Harriet had to learn to survive and fend for herself. Her chest is full of secrets she will do anything to keep buried.

WE CELEBRATE THE WOMEN WHO, IN DOING JUSTICE TO THEIR ROLES, HAVE BECOME UNFORGETTABLE FAVOURITES...

FEMALE FASHIONISTA Renata Klein on BIG LITTLE LIES

Renata Klein played by Laura Dern had the best designer wardrobe. In many ways, her chic style matched her lavish lifestyle. Her house overlooked the ocean and her wardrobe was breathtaking, from her Roland Mouret’s ruby red Zodiac gown to her Delen jacket, she was the ultimate power dresser.

FEMALE FIXER

Olivia Pope on THE FIXER

After seven seasons of the ABC hit, there was no one better suited - both literally and figuratively- to fix any crisis than Olivia Pope.

Played by Kerry Washington, she was the best fixer in D.C. She didn’t just fix problems, she fixed people, too. Her character was bold, brave and gutsy.

L Lorraine Moropa

O K

O

SA actr e s s e s ex p o s e s ex u a l h a r a ssme n t, KE DIBO NE MO D IS E r e p o r ts Breaking the Silence South African actress Lorraine Moropa recently spoke out about being sexually harassed on the set of SABC2’s telenovela, Lithapo.

Moropa, who plays the role of Pabi, alleges that it was not the first time lead actor, Mangaliso Ngema (49), had touched inappropriately. In 2019, the actress lodged a complaint against Ngema after the duo shot an intimate scene.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Moropa wrote: “Imagine working with someone who undresses you from how he looks at you. Someone that grabs their genitals on a set while looking at your ass or grabs your ass and laughs it off in front of a crew (yes my cases have always been in the presence of my colleagues).

That to me is worse than a slap in the face.”

She added: “What happens to our dignity as people in the industry if we allow such behaviour? I for one am sick and tired. It ends Here and now for me,” said Moropa.

me with his eyes. He offered to furnish my apartment in exchange for sex. He has bitten his lip when I’ve exited the change-room. He has spoken about how great my ass looks in wardrobe (a pencil skirt in this instance), loud enough for cast & crew to hear.” Lawrence said she had contemplated reporting the accused but she was afraid of “halting production, causing problems and creating tension on set.”

The South African acting fraternity including Florence Masebe, Rami Chuene, Dineo Langa, Didintle Khunou, Masasa Mbangeni, Thuso Mbedu, Dawn Thandeka King, Rosie Motene and Portia Gumede have rallied behind the two actresses, assuring them that they will

Industry Reacts Fellow actress Altovise Lawrence also opened up about her alleged sexual harassment by the same actor.

In a statement posted on social media, Lawrence said: “I stand in solidarity with @ lorrainemoropa who has had the courage to come out and say that she has been sexually harassed by an actor on set.

The same man that sexually harassed her, has sexually harassed me too on the very same set.”

She continued: “He told me that I’m sexy. He has undressed

Altovise Lawrence

O

#MeToo Movement support them till the perpetrator is dealt with accordingly.

It was not long after these reports that Quizzical Pictures, the production company that produces Lithapo issued a statement announcing that Ngema’s contract has been terminated.

Actor Responds Following his axing from the show, Ngema addressed the sexual harassment allegations.

In a six-minute video posted on social media, the former Lithapo lead explained “his side of the story.”

He denied any sexual harassment claims levelled against him, stating that the actress “totally misread the situation and made the wrong assumption”.

Recalling the turn of events that led to the sexual harassment allegations on July 20, the star said: “We were shooting a scene and I had a problem with my costume, my pants were too tight, every time I had to get up, it felt like they were going to get torn.

“When I looked up I saw her (Moropa) standing at a distance looking at me, so she assumed that I was playing with myself, which was not the case.”

Ngema also addressed sexual harassment allegations made against him by Altovise Lawrence.

The actor insists that due processes were not followed and revealed the matter is now being handled by his legal counsel. “ I’m not trying to defend myself, I’m not perfect, this is my side of the story. I’ve never intended to abuse anyone,” said Ngema.

WAS IT LOVE?

ASIAN ATTRACTION FIVE SHOWS TO STREAM THIS WOMEN’S MONTH

Asian content continues to gain popularity across several streaming platforms. Aside from the compelling stories, viewers are introduced to a new world of talent. BY ALYSSIA BIRJALAL Crash Landing on You Starring two of the most popular Korean actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, “Crash Landing on You” is a love story of an oddly-matched couple. Yun Se-ri, played by Son Ye-jin, is a beautiful heiress and a leading fashion businesswoman in South Korea.

She meets North Korean military officer Ri Jeong-hyeok, played by Hyun Bin, when she accidentally crashes in North Korean territory while paragliding and sparks fly.

The King: Eternal Monarch This romantic fantasy drama takes the genre to a whole new level.

The show centres on the relationships of several individuals from two parallel universes. King Lee Gon, played by Lee Min-ho, seeks to seal the gateway between dimensions, while Jung Tae-eul, played by Kim Go-eun, is a police inspector who wholeheartedly

wants to protect the lives of everyone concerned.

Was It Love?

This K- drama changes the formula up a bit, making the object of affection a thirty-something single mom who aspires to be a film producer and giving her four men to choose from. Starring Song Ji-hyo as Noh Ae-jung, the show is cut above the rest as it goes beyond being a formulaic love story.

Unlucky Ploy Starring Green Ausadaporn and Yong Anusorn Maneeted, the show is an adaptation of the South Korean romantic drama “Another Miss Oh”. The story follows a man in his early 30s who has had his heart broken by his runaway bride. He meets another woman, who bears the same name as his former love.

But he can’t get over his heartbreak and sets about sabotaging

the new romance of his former fiancée. But destiny has other plans for them because the man, his former fiancée and his new girlfriend end up in a love triangle.

Itaewon Class An ex-con and his friends fight to make their ambitious dream for their street bar a reality.

The central narrative is a revenge plot revolving around Park Saeroyi, a proud, almost irritatingly dignified young man with a spine of steel and the haircut of a chestnut. His singular goal is to open a pocha and turn it into the biggest food company in Korea while destroying his enemies.

The various interweaving B-plots involve his ragtag crew that draws from that backdrop; including a fellow ex-convict, who spent time in prison with Saeroyi, a trans woman chef, and a black Korean looking for his father.

Winnie Ntshaba talks this year’s

ROYALTY SOAPIE AWARDS

WINNIE Ntshaba rose to fame as Kethiwe Buthelezi on Generations. Fans fell in love with the character, who, despite an impoverished background, rose to become a formidable businesswoman. In real life, Ntshaba has made her own strides in the industry after she secured funding for the Royalty Soapie Awards.

This year, two new recognition awards have been added: Social Cohesion and Background Actor.

“We play a big part as storytellers in shaping our society; in dealing with the social ills we are facing.

So we thought, why not encourage the head writers and everyone who is a writer to think in terms of issues that are topical at that time, in South Africa or the world,” Ntshaba commented.

She continued: “We have that power to get society to discuss things that are happening. Right now we are looking at gender-based violence. There are soapies that have incorporated Covid-19 into their scripts to make sure that, even those people sitting at home and not taking this thing seriously when they are sitting and watching their favourite actors acting it out, then they will definitely look into their lives and change the way they do things.”

The Background Actor award resonates strongly with Ntshaba. She revealed: “The background actors help in a big way to set the tone and the mood of every scene. Without them, the scene is dead. I remember when we were shooting Isithembiso and we had to do a church scene. Without them singing the way they were singing, we were not gonna get that thing from Banzi as a preacher. They didn’t have lines, they just had to sing.”

THIS YEAR, THE RED CARPET BUZZ WILL BE DIFFERENT. DUE TO COVID-19, IT WILL BE PRE-RECORDED OVER SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE AIRING ON SABC1 ON SEPTEMBER 26 AT 8PM.

WINNIE Ntshaba, the founder and CEO of the Royalty Soapie Awards, comments on the two new categories

The founder and CEO shed light on the two new categories added to this year, writes DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

FEATURE REVIEW

‘Warrior Nun’ NETFLIX

★★★★✩

Joko Ya Hao SHOWMAX

★★★★✩ Produced in South African and inspired by the life of struggle icon Winnie MadikizelaMandela, the 30-minute short film, Joko Ya Hao (“My Load”) tells the story of Nozizwe, a deeply spiritual Christian woman whose convictions lead her to defy the gender norms of the 1950s and those who believe women don’t belong

in politics. And so she leaves her village in Gracetown to fight the oppressive regime and seek help for her people.

Nominated for a 2020 SAFTA, Joko Ya Hao is directed by SAFTA-winner Mmabatho Montsho and stars SAMAwinning songstress Simphiwe Dana. | Alyssia Birjalal

WARRIOR NUN is a great series. If you haven’t seen it yet, clear your schedule as this series is best-enjoyed if you watch it back-to-back. Yes, it’s that addictive.

An adaptation of the comic book character, Warrior Nun Areala, by Ben Dunn, the series is created by Canadian screenwriter, Simon Barry.

It follows Alba Baptista as Ava, a young woman who wakes up at a mortuary after a metal plate has been accidentally placed on her body.

Toya Turner (Sister Mary), Kristina Tonteri-Young (sister Beatrice), and Lerena Andrea (sister Lilith) are at the forefront as lead actors.

Ava is a frustrating character. Andrea is most compelling as the jealous sister nun. She makes those jawlines work in her favour, especially when she dishes out insults to the sisters.

Tristan Ulloa portrays a gripping depiction as Father Vincent.

Although the climax is gripping, there is still some confusion about Dr. Jullian Salvius, a character portrayed by Thekla Reuten.

This 10-part series on Netflix is one of the best that I’ve watched, recently. The fight scenes are not violent, so kids can watch it, too. The choice of music is notable as it features wellknown artists like Billie Elish. Warrior Nun has a great message. Evil agendas can be in play, even in the religious sector. Trust cannot be blind. | Thobile Mazibuko

Cursed NETFLIX

★★★✩✩ Based on the graphic illustrated novel by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler, Cursed takes Arthurian mythology and shifts the focus to Nimue (Katherine Langford), The Lady of the Lake.

Netflix has been dropping a couple of women-led original series and movies lately and they have been very enjoyable.

From Charlize Theron kicking *ss in The Old Guard to the final season of She Ra and The Princess of Power finally giving us Catradora. It has been a great year so far for leading women in the fantasy genre. Cursed falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to how I felt at the end

of the first season. Mostly since it took the entire season for the main plot point to be resolved.

The acting is good across the board and it helps that Arthur, played by Devon Terrell, along with Merlin, played by another attractive Skarsgård brother Gustaf, provide great eye candy, throughout.

Katherine Langford is a great lead and keeps you invested in the show as a whole. However, the overall pacing and the way the show goes about going from point A to Z is unnecessary.

It’s still enjoyable to watch but not in a “I must binge-watch now” way. | Jamal Grootboom

LERENA Andrea as Lilith (front), Toya Turner as Sister Mary and Alba Baptista as Ava (back) co-star in Warrior Nun on Netflix. | Instagram

TAKING THE LEAD “Especially in this industry, women challenge men much more now because we’re saying, ‘We can do it, too’.”

In Watchmen, an American superhero drama which bagged 26 nominations for the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, Regina King plays Angela Abar/ Sister Night, a Tulsa police detective who wears a nun’s habit and a balaclava. Viewers can catch the show on Showmax.