Steve Harvey to Headline MIP Africa 2024

CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD – ABC’s “Celebrity Family Feud” stars Steve Harvey as host. STEVE HARVEY (Disney/Matt Sayles)

Multiple Emmy Award-winning television host, comedian, producer and global philanthropist, Steve Harvey, will headline MIP Africa at FAME Week Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, from 1-7 September 2024. Recognised globally for his relatable, honest, and inspiring personality, Harvey is one of the most trusted figures in media, reaching over 178 million US viewers annually. His presence at FAME Week Africa is expected to draw significant attention and participation from industry professionals around the globe.

Botswana Ignite! Initiative

Harvey’s visit to FAME Week Africa is part of a strategic initiative to boost Botswana’s creative economy. In partnership with the government of Botswana, Harvey is championing Botswana Ignite!, an ambitious programme aimed at nurturing local talent and fostering growth within Botswana’s television and video production industries. This initiative seeks to invigorate Botswana’s creative landscape and position the country as a leading hub for film and television production in Africa.

Continue reading

Helen Nicholson Releases New Book: “Networking for Introverts”

I am an introvert by nature. In the past few years, I have forced myself to become less socially awkward by attending media events solo and introducing myself and talking to complete strangers. The experience can be daunting, but it is essential for networking and getting ahead, especially in the corporate world.

Introverts, the world over, find social situations stressful because they often feel drained by prolonged social interactions and large gatherings. Unlike extroverts, who gain energy from being around others, introverts recharge through solitude and quiet time. Additionally, the need for small talk and quick thinking in social settings can be overwhelming for introverts, who typically prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Now, a new book by best-selling author Helen Nicholson, titled “Networking for Introverts” provides a step-by-step guide for introverts, that will not only help them overcome these challenges, but also teach them to harness the introvert skills of listening, thoughtful communication and focus, as super-powers, to connect with people more deeply and build an advantageous network.

Continue reading

OceanXplorers On National Geographic

The OceanXplorer reaches Svalbard’s blockade of sea ice and can go no further. (National Geographic)

From National Geographic Explorer at Large James Cameron (“Avatar”), BBC Studios Natural History Unit (“Blue Planet II”) and OceanX, comes the most ambitious ocean adventure ever filmed. The breathtaking series OCEANXPLORERS will premiere on Wednesdays at 19:00 from 21 August on National Geographic (DStv 181, Starsat 220).

WATCH TRAILER HERE

The National Geographic series takes audiences aboard the OceanXplorer, OceanX’s state-of-the-art scientific research and exploration vessel, to investigate the farthest frontiers of the world’s oceans, 80% of which are entirely unknown. Armed with advanced technology, a hand-picked team of intrepid explorers and scientists, National Geographic Explorers and other ocean experts embark on a global odyssey to solve some of the ocean’s greatest mysteries through the lives of its animals and their ecosystems. The ship sets sail on a grand adventure – traveling to the depths of the Atlantic in the Azores, diving into the shallows of the Bahamas and warm waters of the Caribbean before embarking north to the frigid arctic shores of Svalbard, Norway. OCEANXPLORERS provides an immersive look at an underwater world of wonder with incredible discoveries that push the boundaries of exploration and our understanding of the ocean like never before.

Continue reading

E! Africa to unveil local adaptation of hit comedy dating series Dating #NoFilter

E! Entertainment Television – the pop culture channel from NBCUniversal International Networks & DTC – announced the start of production for Dating #NoFilter, a 10 x 60’ unscripted comedy dating series produced by Brainstorm Entertainment.

Licensed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, the format originally aired on E! in the US and is being adapted for the African audience with filming in progress at Mall of Africa in Johannesburg. The show is set to premiere exclusively on E! Africa (DStv channel number 124) later this year.

Dating #NoFilter will follow a group of singles on blind dates whose search for love will be accompanied by commentaries from some of South Africa’s most hilarious celebrities. Amongst the 15 comedic cast are comedian, TV personality and actor Jason Goliath (E!’s Celebrity Game Night, Ses’ Top La); actress and radio personality Hope Mhbele; and media personality and content creator Lebogang Tlokana – also known as “The Funny Chef”.

Jason and the other comics will watch the dates unfold, offering unfiltered commentary on each moment – from every awkward interaction to every touching glance. Inevitable dating disasters aside, the hope is that the couples will form genuine connections.

Continue reading

The FAME Shorts Film Festival Announces 2024 Programme

The FAME Shorts Film Festival returns to Cape Town’s Labia Theatre from 4-7 September, bringing a dazzling array of African cinema. Featuring 31 thought-provoking films, the festival showcases innovative and creative filmmakers from across the continent, offering audiences a rich tapestry of stories from Africa and its diaspora. The eagerly anticipated programme was announced on https://fameshortsfilmfestival.com and bookings are open. 

Open to the public, the festival is a highlight of FAME Week Africa, an annual gathering and trade show for the entertainment industry. Martin Hiller, FAME Week Africa Portfolio Director, shared his excitement about this year’s line-up, “We’re absolutely thrilled with the FAME Shorts Film Festival programme! It’s brimming with personal stories, biographies, and tales of innovation, underscoring the rich diversity of African societies.” 

Over four captivating days, the programme explores themes of drifting through life’s challenges, the growing pains of coming of age, the complexities of love stories, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Continue reading