Unleashing Creativity: Galaxy A Series x iKasi Creative

The Galaxy A Series devices continue to flex new ways to create awesome content with the latest collaboration with iKasi Creative (a rural youth visual storytelling training hub) and The Market Photo Workshop (a school of photography, a gallery, and a project space). This collaboration underscores Samsung’s dedication to fostering a vibrant community of young creators by supporting their growth in the digital landscape.

“The latest Galaxy A Series devices are like bringing your creative studio everywhere. In today’s world, mobile devices have evolved to become a gateway for creativity. Samsung devices allow content creators to capture, create, and share their ideas with powerful camera and editing tools,” says Kgomotso Mosiane, Head of Marketing for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics.

This exciting initiative centred around the theme ‘The Next Generation of Awesome’, focuses on capturing life’s awesome moments everywhere in brilliant quality thanks to the features of the latest Galaxy A Series. Recognising how today’s generation loves to create content, the institutions selected two top students each to level up their creativity, Miché Cloete (21) and Yolanda Xego (25) from iKasi Creative, and Teboho Mabuya (22) and Luyanda Masuku (20) from The Market Photo Workshop, to go on an awesome adventure with the Galaxy A25 5G, A35 5G, and A55 5G—to create compelling visual stories through the lens of their camera.

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Brasse Vannie Kaap: A Documentary Tribute to South African Hip Hop

Showmax has released Brasse Vannie Kaap”, a nostalgic feature documentary about the iconic, game-changing 1990s group, who helped to make hip hop South African. The music documentary started streaming on Showmax on Monday, 7 October 2024. 

In the documentary, the who’s who of the Afrikaans entertainment industry line up to pay tribute to Brasse Vannie Kaap’s undeniable impact, from David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen of Joe Barber fame to Karen Zoid, Kurt Darren, Francois van Coke and Valiant Swart.

“I started rapping in Afrikaans because of Brasse, and eventually rapping on stages in Afrikaans thanks to Brasse,” says Jack Parow

“I am a student of theirs; I am a product of what they made,” echoes YoungstaCPT, flagging how even his name echoes theirs. “I’m a Bra Vannie Kaap, you know. That kind of name, that kind of title, gives you hope and inspiration to not feel ashamed of where you come from, and not be ashamed to use your own language or your own slang. They give you the confidence to do it.” 

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Embeth Davidtz’s Debut Film: Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight

In an exciting moment for South African film, it was announced that Embeth Davidtz has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Classics for worldwide distribution of her directorial debut, Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight, based on Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of the same name. Written, directed by and starring Davidtz (Schindler’s List, Matilda), the film features Lexi Venter, Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, Rob Van Vuuren and Anina Hope Reed. The film was produced by Helena Spring, Paul Buys and Davidtz, in collaboration with Rose and Oaks Media and executive producers Anele Mdoda and Frankie Du Toit.

Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight received rave reviews at the recent Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals, where Davidtz was praised for her extraordinary writing and directing debut and 8-year-old Venter was applauded for her incredible performance. The film was showcased at the Zurich Film Festival (3 – 13 October) in Switzerland.

Based on the memoir by Alexandra Fuller, Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight captures the childhood of 8-year-old Bobo on her family farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) at the end of the Zimbabwean War of Independence (1979/1980). Growing up in the midst of this long-running war, Bobo internalizes both sides of the struggle. Conflicted by her love for people on opposing sides, she tries to make sense of her life in a magical way. Through her eight-year-old eyes, the film takes audiences on a powerful journey through Rhodesia’s final days, exploring the family’s unbreakable bond with Africa, and the deep scars that the war left on survivors.

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DStv Content Creator Awards 2024: Celebrating Digital Talent

The Third Annual DStv Content Creator Awards lit up Nelson Mandela Square on Saturday, 12 October, in a hugely memorable night celebrating the best in digital content. With a purpose-built venue that gave an intimate vibe to the star-studded event, the energy was electric as creators, fans, and industry leaders gathered for the big night.

Anele Mdoda owned the stage as MC, keeping the crowd laughing and engaged, while performances from Bontle Modiselle Dance Studio, Mandisi, Nina Hastie, Cassidy Nicholson, Lasizwe, Christall Kay and drag artists Manila von Teez and Ina Propriette added flair to the event.

Outside, the purple carpet buzzed with excitement as fans crowded round to catch a glimpse of their favourite creators strutting their stuff.

But it was the winners who stole the show! The night’s top honours went to the most creative and influential voices in the content game, with one lucky winner, Zoliswa Mahlobo, even walking away with a luxurious 5-night trip to Mauritius, courtesy of Flight Centre and Beachcomber Resorts and Hotels.

Sifo the Cooking Husband scooped two awards; the Foodie Award and the coveted DStv Creator of the Year Award.  Chris Rogers also won twice, taking home the Travel and Lifestyle Award and the Best Creator Campaign Content Award.  Colour Me Simphiwe won the Beauty Award and the new addition for 2024, the Spirit of Africa Award, Presented by Amarula Premium African Gin. 

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2024 European Film Festival: A Celebration of Cinema in South Africa

THE TASTE OF THINGS

A stellar line-up of films has been announced for the 11th European Film Festival in South Africa which runs from 10 to 20 October 2024.  Including two Oscar nominations, the select showcase of 14 films features numerous award-winners that delve into a wide-range of topics under the overarching theme of Complicated Freedoms. Cinema screenings take place in Johannesburg at Ster Kinekor, The Zone in Rosebank, and in Cape Town at The Labia.  Eleven of the films will be available in the free programme of online streaming accessible across South Africa during the festival period.  

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