“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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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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Anele Mdoda to Host the DStv Content Creator Awards 2024

The DStv Content Creator Awards are about to reach new heights, with the announcement that Anele Mdoda will be this year’s official host. Renowned for her dynamic personality and sharp wit, Anele promises to guide the guests through an unforgettable night celebrating the best in content creation. 

Taking place for the first time in an exclusive, custom-built venue on Nelson Mandela Square on 12 October, this star-studded event promises to be bolder than ever, celebrating the creative voices that define the digital age.

“I’m beyond excited to be hosting this year’s DStv Content Creator Awards,” says Anele. “The energy, the creativity, the absolute magic that these creators bring, it’s electric! Get ready for a night full of surprises, laughter, and standout moments celebrating the phenomenal talent that’s shaping the future of entertainment in South Africa. I’m bringing my A-game as this year’s host because these creators deserve nothing less than a show as daring and dynamic as they are!” 

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E! Hosts Feel Good TV Brunch at E L & N Cafe

In celebration of its upcoming programming slate, E! – the multi-platform brand dedicated to all things pop culture from NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer (NBCUIN & DTC) – hosted a “Feel Good TV” brunch in Johannesburg, this week. At the event, hosted by Anele Mdoda, E! revealed the impressive lineup of programming coming to the channel this October, as well as a new brand campaign for the channel. Mdoda stunned in a pink number, while she described the upcoming content as “exciting and super feel-good!”

Viewers across Africa can look forward to brand new series Black Pop: Celebrating the Power of Black Culture and House of Villains, as well as fan favourites Botched and Million Dollar Listing New York, returning with new seasons, all premiering this month.

Guests, including Msizi James, Karishma Ramdev, Tansey Coetzee, Mimi Mahlasela, Prev Reddy, Abigail Visagie, Margo Fargo, Karabo Didi, Taryn Louch and Gina Myers, were treated to a themed brunch at the newly opened EL&N Café at Mall of Africa with the feel-good experience completed with gift bags filled with fragrance from Guess and cosmetics from Revlon.

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