Exploring the Legacy of Jaws at 50

National Geographic’s SHARKFEST wouldn’t exist without the film that changed cinema – and our relationship with sharks – forever: “Jaws.” This year, in tribute to the movie that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean’s most misunderstood predator, National Geographic goes behind the scenes of the legendary blockbuster with JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau (“Faye,” “Music by John Williams”), the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on the ultimate deep dive, from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the cinematic phenomenon that is “Jaws” and how the film continues to ripple through pop culture, cinema and shark conservation to this day. You may think you know the full story of “Jaws” – but not until now.

JAWS @ 50 hails from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and is this year’s only authorized documentary on the making of “Jaws,” with the award-winning director himself diving back into the story that launched his career and earned him final cut on the film, a creative control he has maintained for the last 50 years.

The documentary is currently on National Geographic (DStv 181 and StarTimes 220) as well as National Geographic Wild (DStv 182 and StarTimes 221) and will also be available on Disney+ in South Africa.

View the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrBN9zcQAGw

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“Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” Movie Premiere

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, the highly anticipated feature film based on Alexandra Fuller’s best-selling memoir, will have its official South African premiere on 25 July 2025.

Directed and adapted for screen by Embeth Davidtz, the film marks a rare and powerful cinematic portrayal of Zimbabwe’s transition from colonial rule to independence through the eyes of a child.

Shot in South Africa , the film brings to life 8-year-old Bobo’s coming-of-age amidst the final days of the Rhodesian Bush War.

Played by newcomer Lexi Venter, Bobo is a white child growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, grappling with grief, fractured family life, and the racial dynamics of a world at war. The film’s raw emotion and nuanced storytelling offer an African narrative told from within, with complexity, empathy, and historical depth.

With a powerful local cast including Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, and Rob Van Vuuren, and supported by a seasoned creative team, the film is both global in its reach and deeply rooted in the Southern African soil.
 

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Experience Fine Dining at Room 32 at the Park Hyatt Johannesburg

In a city where culinary ambition is on the rise, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quietly – and confidently – opened the doors to Room 32, a refined dining destination that blends fire-cooked cuisine, South Africa’s proudly local craft beverages and rich architectural heritage into one immersive experience.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the exclusive opening of Room 32, an intimate affair curated for a select group of influencers, content creators, and members of the press. The afternoon was a culinary indulgence, featuring an exquisite tasting of starters, mains, and desserts from the restaurant’s full menu. Each dish was a masterful expression of flavour and finesse – an elegant preview of the gastronomic excellence that Room 32 promises to deliver.


Cushioned inside the newly restored Sir Herbert Baker landmark in Rosebank, Room 32 is the only
communal space in what is now the world’s most intimate Park Hyatt – a 31-room sanctuary of
understated luxury. The restaurant is not just a nod to fine dining; it’s a statement of intent.


Room 32 is where the story of food begins and lingers long after the last bite. The kitchen speaks through
the freshest offerings. Every dish is crafted with respect and curiosity; every flavour layered with
intention. Dining at Room 32 is more than a meal; it’s a shared moment, where culinary art and heartfelt
hospitality meet.


“Room 32 was born from a desire to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated,” says Mitch
Gemmell, General Manager at Park Hyatt Johannesburg. “In a hotel defined by privacy and discretion,
this is our invitation to indulge in the city’s finest and classiest cuisine.”

Here’s a short video of the opening:

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Hey Neighbour Festival Postponed to December 2025

Hey Neighbour Festival 2025, initially set to take place this August, has been moved to December 2025. While the festival was set to feature world-class performances, including the highly anticipated appearances by Doja Cat, Central Cee, Black Coffee, and Leon Thomas, to name a few, the organisers have made the strategic decision to reschedule the festival in order to ensure its continued success and sustainability.


Hey Neighbour’s Glen Netshipise stated, “As CEO of Hey Neighbour Festival, I want to acknowledge the disappointment caused by the postponement of the 2025 event. We understand the impact this has on our loyal festival-goers, sponsors, and artists. We also recognise that our communication around the challenges we’ve faced hasn’t been as clear as it should have been, and for that, we sincerely apologise. Moving forward, we are committed to improving our transparency and communication, ensuring that everyone is kept informed as we work towards delivering an even better festival in December 2025. We truly appreciate your continued support and patience as we navigate these challenging yet exciting times.” He added “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors, artists, and attendees. Their faith in us is helping to ensure that we can deliver the best possible festival experience.” 


WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TICKET HOLDERS AND SPONSORS?

Tickets: All tickets purchased for the event will remain valid for the rescheduled dates, which will be announced on 30 September 2025, along with the full lineup.

Refunds: All refunds due will be processed and paid by 10 October 2025.

Sponsors: Sponsors who have already made contributions will be contacted directly with further details.

Artists: We are in active discussions with the initially booked talent to confirm their availability for the new December dates.


NEXT STEPS

The organisers are actively working on securing the necessary funding, strategic partnerships, and more exciting headliners to bring the festival back bigger and better than ever. We will share further details regarding the exact rescheduled dates, as well as information on refunds for those who have already requested refunds and those unable to attend, by 30 September 2025.

For updates, please visit the official festival website: www.heyneighbour.co.za or follow us on social media for real-time updates.


CONTACT INFO

For ticket holders, sponsors, or other stakeholders with queries or concerns, please contact our customer support team at:

Email: tickets@heyneighbour.co.za 

Phone: +27 60 808 5252

Website: www.heyneighbour.co.za

Hey Neighbour 2025: BLACK COFFEE and Epic Local Lineup Revealed

Fellow Neighbours, it’s going down! And just in case you missed it on our socials over the last few days, the next wave of the Hey Neighbour 2025 lineup is officially HERE — and it’s bringing fire, soul and seriously next-level vibes.

Headlining this drop? The legend himself, the one and only BLACK COFFEE, and yes he is bringing some of his friends to perform live alongside him. From Ibiza to Coachella to right here at home, the global icon has joined the Neighbourhood to remind us why no one does it like SA and why he is the leader of the pack.

Who are his chommies actually??? Well it’s a surprise and you will just have to wait to find out.

And that’s not all. We’re welcoming some of the most iconic, ever rising and rule-breaking local names in the game right now:



Elaine – R&B royalty with velvet vocals and heartbreak hits
Akio – Culture curator and DJ-extraordinaire, bringing all the vibes
DJ Nkosh – Afro-house beast with a set that’ll move your soul (and your feet)
DJ Lochive – Fresh sound explorer pushing deep, danceable energy
Muzi – The Zulu Skywalker, fusing tradition with futuristic bounce
Holly Rey – House music’s golden girl bringing the heat and the heart
Khuli Chana – Motswako’s finest, still running the game with pure fire
Tortured Soul – Soulful, jazzy, deep house grooves that’ll keep you locked in
Nia Pearl – Amapiano angel with vocals smoother than your weekend plans
Sun-EL Musician – Afro-electronic magic. Every beat is a spiritual experience
Lulo Cafe – A deep house OG serving nothing but timeless feels
DJ Lag – Regarded as one of the pioneers of Gqom, he is a DJ and record producer
Adillah – SA’s own “go-to girl for all things wavy DJ

And yes, this is just the day two local line-up for now.

Mfethu, if this isn’t the ultimate sign to snap into action, we don’t know what is. Don’t miss out on what’s set to be the music experience of the year. Grab your crew, cop your tickets, and let’s make memories with thousands of other neighbours from across Mzansi and beyond.

Bringing the ‘noise’ to the neighbourhood, powerhouses Jacaranda FM and MTV have been confirmed as the official media partners this year — helping us turn the volume ALL the way up, across airwaves and onto your screens.

More surprises are loading. Big stage energy? You already know.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DATE Saturday, 30th – Sunday, 31 August 2025
VENUE Legends Adventure Farm, Pretoria
TIMES Gates open at 12h00 and close at 22h00


Grab your tickets right now, here ➔ BUY TICKETS HERE

Day Passes, Weekend Passes, and Camping Bookings are officially live — but only on our website! Don’t get finessed by the scammers out there. Stay sharp, book smart, book right!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to our vibes, neighbours! Also catch the freshest info on our official website and our dope socials below:

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