Top Films to Stream on Showmax This December

WONKA | First on Showmax | Stream from Friday, 6 December

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryWonka stars Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Dune) as the young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. 

From Paul King (writer-director of the Paddington films) and Harry Potter producer David Heyman, the magical musical comedy was the seventh biggest blockbuster of 2023. 

Chalamet won the Kids’ Choice Award for Favourite Movie Actor, while Calah Lane was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, Keegan-Michael Key for a Kids’ Choice Favourite Villain Award, and Olivia Colman for a Critics Choice Super Award. Also look out for Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa.

Wonka has an 82% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian hailing the family film as “spectacular, imaginative, sweet-natured and funny.”

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“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” Premieres on Food Network

Hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), the Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking premieres on Wednesday, 4 December, on Food Network, and features special guests Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley).

Food Network viewers and legions of Harry Potter fans are going to have an extra special holiday season this year with the premiere of the brand-new series, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, on Wednesday, 4 December at 5 pm on Food Network Africa. Capitalising on the enduring love for Harry Potter – a global phenomenon that continues to captivate people of all ages around the world – the ground-breaking series blends legendary storytelling and fantastical edible creations in a never-before-seen competition that will have audiences at the edge of their seats.

James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) bring their exceptional charm and behind-the-scenes anecdotes as hosts of this most magical series, joined by esteemed culinary judges Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef. Across the six-episode season, they will also be joined by special guests Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), who will help in evaluating the competitors’ showpieces and also share their own film stories.

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L’Oréal Paris Launches ‘Walk Your Worth’ Fashion Show in Franschhoek, South Africa

L’Oréal Paris is thrilled to announce its upcoming “Walk Your Worth” fashion show, taking inspiration from the iconic “Le Défilé” in Paris. This unique event will be held in the picturesque Franschhoek area on Friday, November 22nd, showcasing the designs of four extraordinary South African talents: Rich Mnisi, Tshepo Jeans, KLûK CGDT, and Mantsho by Palesa.

The event promises a star-studded lineup, featuring prominent figures such as L’Oréal Paris sub-Saharan Africa ambassador Thuso Mbedu, media mogul Bonang Matheba, Miss South Africa Mia le Roux, and television icon Leanne Manas, among other notable personalities.

This spectacular showcase will not only highlight the creativity of these acclaimed designers but also promote the message of inclusivity and self-confidence that L’Oréal Paris champions. Attendees can expect an unforgettable experience in the heart of Franschhoek’s breathtaking scenery.

“We are incredibly proud to present this groundbreaking fashion show,” says Ayanda Mackay, Brand Business Leader for L’Oréal Paris Southern Africa. “The ‘Walk Your Worth’ theme perfectly embodies the values of L’Oréal Paris, celebrating self-worth, empowerment, and diversity.”

Tickets for the “Walk Your Worth” fashion show will be available for purchase on itickets.co.za. Further details regarding ticket sales and the event program will be announced soon on L’Oréal Paris South Africa’s social media channels.

The show will also be live streamed on the L’Oréal Paris South Africa YouTube and TikTok pages.

The Graham Norton Show returns to screens

I’ve watched Graham Norton for years and always look forward to a fun filled hour of his talk show.

For almost 30 years, Norton has been a fixture in British television, offering up the perfect blend of wit, charm, and cheeky humour that keeps his audience — and his star-studded guests — coming back for more.

 

With nearly two decades of hosting on the BBC alone, Norton has established himself as a maestro of celebrity banter. His ability to create a relaxed atmosphere on set is unmatched, effortlessly drawing out amusing anecdotes from the A-listers who sit elbow-to-elbow on his sofa.

 

As Norton puts it, the show is like a TV party that gets the weekend started with a swing — and it’s one he’s still delighted to host after all these years.

“I’ve been doing this for so long, yet every time I sit in that chair, there’s still a buzz,” Norton shares. “It’s like riding a bike — familiar but exciting at the same time.”

 

Now celebrating the release of his fifth novel, Frankie, which he calls his “most ambitious yet,” Norton continues to surprise audiences with his versatility. With four bestselling books already to his name, his success as a novelist shows he’s just as talented behind the keyboard as he is on camera. But it’s his role as the host of one of the UK’s most beloved chat shows that keeps fans flocking to their screens.

 

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The Fix: A Dystopian Thriller Premiering This Halloween

You may not know this about me, but I started my career in the South African Film & TV industry back, in the early 2000’s. I was a Production Manager on various international commercials that were shot in Cape Town. Hence, whenever I get news about local shows and movies, or anything related to the local film and TV industry, I get really excited. The Fix, which was filmed in my hometown of Cape Town, looks so entertaining, and I am looking forward to its release.

The Fix, premieres on 31 October 2024 on Showmax, as its Halloween highlight.

Set in a dystopian future with toxic air, The Fix follows a model who takes a new designer drug at a party and suffers a shocking transformation. Pursued by forces with competing interests in the drug’s effects, Ella discovers that her mutations could save the human race.

Grace van Dien (Chrissy in Stranger Things S4) stars as Ella, opposite Daniel Sharman (Fear The Walking Dead), SAFTA nominee Keenan Arrison (Binnelanders), Clancy Brown (John Wick 4, The Penguin), and Nicole Fortuin (Alles Malan). 

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