The series will follow Ariana Biermann, Riley Burruss, Ava Dash, Emira D’Spain, Shai Fruchter, Gia Giudice, Brooks Marks, Georgia McCann, Hudson McLeroy and Charlie Zakkour as they establish their identity and shape the cultural zeitgeist, all while diving headfirst into the chaos that is NYC living.

Next Gen NYC follows a tangled web of friends raised in the spotlight – or at least close enough for good lighting – as they stumble into adulthood one brunch, breakup and spontaneous decision at a time. Whether stepping out of their parents’ shadows or creating their own legacies from scratch, these twenty-somethings are determined to conquer Manhattan – if they can figure out how to adult first. Together, they’ll navigate friendships, careers and romance, proving that trouble runs on espresso martinis and questionable decisions.

The series also features The Real Housewives personalities, Kandi Burruss, Teresa Guidice, Meredith and Seth Marks and Kim Zolciak-Biermann, as their children embark on their next chapter in the Big Apple. Chole Marks also appears alongside her brother Brooks, shaking up the group dynamic.

About the cast:

Ariana Biermann is the first in her family to leave Atlanta and step out on her own – no safety net, no family backup, just high-school sweetheart Hudson, a dream of launching a streetwear line, and a one-way ticket to New York City. Growing up with mum Kim Zolciak-Biermann on The Real Housewives of Atlanta taught her how to navigate chaos, keep her circle tight and always stand up for what’s right. Can she build a life on her own terms or is she about to learn that Southern loyalty doesn’t always translate in the big city?

Riley Burruss may have music legend and The Real Housewives of Atlanta veteran Kandi Burruss as a mum, but she’s determined to make her mark on her own terms. Riley hustled through her NYU years, snagging every high-profile internship in sight. Level-headed and totally unfazed, she says exactly what she’s thinking, which makes her the go-to for people who can handle the truth. Now she has one year to discover her true passion (or it’s off to law school and a 9-to-5 life) and with childhood friend Ariana Biermann suddenly back in her orbit, things are about to get a lot more dramatic. Can Riley figure it all out or is growing up about to serve her a major reality check?

Ava Dash has always had that it factor. The daughter of music mogul Damon Dash and fashion icon Rachel Roy, Ava was surrounded by legends from day one, but she’s never needed a famous last name to turn heads. Cool, calm and effortlessly collected, Ava is the girl every guy wants to date and every girl wants to be. She grew up in Tribeca and after years in L.A., is now back in the city, pursuing modelling full-time. With a new guy in the picture and fresh faces entering the circle, Ava’s effortless reign as the group’s most-wanted might not be so effortless after all.

Emira D’Spain has hustle in her DNA. Born in Dubai and raised in Dallas, she turned her NYU degree and a killer internship into a coveted role as Paper magazine’s beauty director, and now she’s thriving as one of New York’s most successful content creators. Ambitious, driven and always two steps ahead, Emira lives life on her own terms and never apologizes for her success. She usually stays above the fray when drama unfolds, but this summer, balancing romance and friendship loyalties might disrupt her perfectly planned hustle.

Shai Fruchter has spent his whole life adapting – from growing up between Israel and China to transplanting into a suburban New Jersey high school. Now after a year in Manhattan’s eclectic East Village, he’s finally free to explore creativity, romance and the endless pursuit of authenticity, but joining this circle of bold, connected, and ambitious friends might be more than he bargained for.

Gia Giudice might be Jersey royalty thanks to her mum, The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice, but she’s determined to build a legacy all her own. Fresh out of college and with law school on pause, Gia is juggling schedules to see her long-term boyfriend and hustling nonstop between New Jersey and Manhattan. Gia’s survived a lifetime of family drama in the public eye, making her fiercely protective of family and friendships. But while Gia has plenty of drive, the actual drive into the city might just push her over the edge. Despite Gia’s ambitious and loyal nature, the pull of Manhattan might shift her priorities.  

Brooks Marks wasn’t born into the spotlight – he walked right into it (in a perfectly tailored tracksuit) when his mum, Meredith Marks, made her debut on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City while he was in college at NYU. Now a fashion entrepreneur, Brooks has big dreams — but his real talent is finding himself in the middle of drama, despite claiming he hates conflict. As he turns 25, Brooks faces a major crossroads: step out from under his mum’s shadow, or keep playing referee between family demands, messy friendships and a never-ending to-do list. Can he finally put himself first or will his signature poker face crack under the pressure?

Georgia McCann is New York’s ultimate Gen Z it-girl – bold, brilliant and unapologetically original. A fourth-generation New Yorker, Georgia fiercely defends the city’s artistic soul from developers and finance bros alike. As a brand and events creative strategist, Georgia rules the downtown scene. The city has always been her first love, but this summer a surprising romance and shifting friendships might shake things up, threatening to leave Georgia’s carefully curated world in turmoil.

Hudson McLeroy comes from an Atlanta family known for massive self-made success, and he’s already had early success on his own as an investor. Now he’s heading straight into the hustle of New York City, all in the name of love. He and Ariana Biermann have been on-again, off-again sweethearts since junior high, and while they might seem like a match made in heaven, navigating Manhattan’s social scene can be taxing on any relationship. Hudson’s got charm, ambition and a Southern gentleman’s manners, but can he handle this circle of friends (and frenemies) or is fitting in about to become his riskiest investment yet?

Charlie Zakkour is a crypto trader and private investor who’s been ruling NYC’s club scene since he was 14, and he knows everyone (and their secrets). Charming but blunt, Charlie says exactly what’s on his mind, and sometimes what others wish he wouldn’t. Beneath his tough exterior, he’s fiercely loyal, especially to close confidants like Ava Dash. For the first summer in years, Charlie finds himself basking in his autonomy, but he might find being unattached creates more drama than ever.

Next Gen NYC Season 1 is produced by 9th Degree Productions. Michaline Babich, Shari Levine, David O’Connell, Chaz Morgan, Michelle Schiefen, Lauren Nathan and Ariel Algus executive produce. 

Next Gen NYC Season 1 premieres on Bravo Africa (DStv 124) on 9 August at 7 PM, with back-to-back episodes every Sunday until the season finale on 30 August 2026.

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Fans of Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends will be able to tune in Monday to Friday at 08:10 (CAT) from 13 July – 14 August, with a daily rerun at 15:05 (CAT). The fan favourite series is the first full-length Marvel series for preschoolers and follows Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales and their adventures as the young heroes team up with Hulk, Ms. Marvel and Black Panther to defeat foes like Rhino, Doc Ock and Green Goblin and learn that teamwork is the best way to save the day.

The local cast featured on Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends includes Nolwazi Mfeka (Spidey/Peter Parker); Thandekile Mzaca (Spin/MilesMorales); Senzeka Mnguni (Ghost Spider/Gwen Stacy); Monde Msutwana (Hulk); Sipho Mdingi (Black Panther); Frankie Lukhele (Ms. Marvel) and Lwazi Pinyana (Green Goblin).

In August, parents/guardians and kids will be able to enjoy the first season of Sofia the First in isiZulu too, telling the story of an ordinary girl who becomes a princess and, throughout her journey, learns that possessing the characteristics of a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace – is what makes one truly royal.

Creating access to Disney Jr. content for families to experience in a new way, the isiZulu versions of both Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends and Sofia the First are the latest in several dubbed series, including Doc McStuffins in Sesotho and isiZulu, as well as The Lion Guard in isiZulu.

Often the first experience of Disney for many children, Disney Jr. introduces a whole new generation to magical stories and characters, creating the ultimate Disney experience filled with magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters. With an emphasis on social, emotional development and playful learning, Disney Jr. stories and characters encapsulate the signature Disney qualities of magic, adventure and heart to deliver an unrivalled experience for kids and families.

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Now showing on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) on Wednesdays at 20:30 (CAT), with new episodes airing weekly, the series is built around first-hand accounts from former CIA operatives. Through their stories, viewers are introduced to a collection of missions that have shaped global events, revealing what it takes to operate in environments defined by risk, pressure and uncertainty.

Inside the World of Espionage

Each episode is driven by real accounts from intelligence officers, offering access to the individuals behind some of the most complex and consequential operations in modern history. From covert missions conducted behind enemy lines to the global hunt for Osama bin Laden, the series explores the hidden manoeuvres, split-second decisions and personal risks that define intelligence work at the highest level.

The series places a strong focus on the human dimension of espionage, revealing not only how operations unfold but the realities faced by those tasked with carrying them out.

The Human Cost Behind the Mission

Structured as a mission-led docuseries, Inside the CIA unfolds with a steady narrative pace, moving from one high-pressure situation to the next. Through a combination of personal testimony and carefully reconstructed moments, the series draws viewers into the emotional and psychological complexities of life inside the agency. It also debates the moral questions, constant danger and personal sacrifices that come with living a double life, offering insight into a world that is rarely seen and even less understood.

With access to elite intelligence officers and the defining missions of their careers, Inside the CIA delivers an immersive viewing experience that brings audiences closer to the realities of espionage and the people behind it.

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Johannesburg, 19 February 2026: ESPN Africa today has launched the premiere episode of Jesse in Japan as part of an all-new original short-form digital content series helmed by Springbok and Yokohama Canon Eagles star Jesse Kriel.

 

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Offering fans a relaxed and revealing look at his life and growing career in the land of the rising sun, Jesse in Japan will run across ESPN Africa’s social and digital platforms throughout the year, with a premiere episode each month.

Life Beyond The Try Line

Kriel has been part of the Yokohama Canon Eagles since 2020 and reached a historic milestone in November 2025 when he was appointed the team’s first foreign captain. Jesse in Japan steps away from matchday pressure to capture the quieter rhythms of his life, from training sessions with teammates and recovery routines to favourite local restaurants, neighbourhood errands and moments of downtime. In addition, expect glimpses into differences between Mzansi and Japan, prepping for the next match, gym routines, insights into this exciting league and more.

The series will offer an unfiltered glimpse into how the South African rugby player has adapted to daily life in a new culture, balancing elite performance with curiosity, discipline and the small comforts that make a place feel like home. Jesse’s status as an athlete and rugby professional has grown exponentially in recent years through his successes with the South African men’s national rugby team, the Springboks, which he has recently captained, his successes in Japan and his dedicated approach to health and fitness.

“ESPN remains committed to offering viewers cross the continent an unparalleled offering of the very best of US and international sporting leagues,” says Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are delighted to be working with Jesse Kriel to bring Jesse in Japan to viewers, offering complementary programming that gives an insight into the life and career of not only this sporting legend but also the thrilling Japan Rugby League One as he, together with his teammates, create historic sporting moments.”

“I am excited to be collaborating with ESPN to offer rugby fans and viewers the opportunity to be a part of my exciting journey in Japan,” says Jesse Kriel. “The series is an invitation to celebrate the food, culture, people and of course rugby action that I have am lucky enough to be a part of in the Japan Rugby League One and beyond.”

JRLO Exclusive to ESPN Africa

The prestigious Japan Rugby League One features a number of South African sporting icons such as Faf De Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph Du Toit.

As the Japan Rugby League One season unfolds, only on ESPN, the series will track Kriel’s journey as the competition builds towards the finals in June. Viewers can catch the action on ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248), on ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), and on Disney+ in South Africa with two live games every week and repeat broadcasts to ensure that no big moment is missed.

Fans can follow the series and join the conversation on @ESPNAfrica with #JesseinJapan across social platforms.

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Premiere Programming Includes

Big Cat Planet – Sunday 1 February at 6 PM and 8:30 PM

Big cats may appear predictable, but survival demands flexibility. This powerful special reveals how their instincts remarkably shift under pressure, with African predators adapting their hunting styles, territories and behaviour as landscapes change and resources grow scarce.

Mashatu: Land of Leopards – Sunday 8 February at 6 PM and 8:30 PM

Filmed over three years at Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve, this documentary follows a mother leopard and her cubs fighting for survival in a harsh, drying environment. Advanced low-light and drone technology capture rare leopard behaviour as the family faces climate stress, shrinking territory and rising conflict within one of Africa’s most important strongholds for free-roaming leopards.

Killer Safari: Big Cat Battle Compilation – Sunday 15 February at 6 PM and 8:30 PM

Africa’s most intense wildlife encounters are brought together in this gripping compilation. From ambushes to narrow escapes, big cats clash with rivals and unexpected threats, revealing how quickly fortune can turn in the bush.

Savage Kingdom: Clash of Clans Compilations – Sunday 22 February at 6 PM and 8:30 PM

The big cat drama returns in Northern Botswana, where peace never lasts, and power is constantly challenged. As dominance shifts and rivalries reignite, the fight to protect territory and legacy drives every decision.

Additionally, National Geographic Wild will air big cat-themed programming after every premiere, with highlights to look forward to, including Malika: The Lion Queen and Soul of the Cat. Jaguar: Jungle Icon of Guyana, Serengeti Speed Queen, Diary of A Teen Leopard, Leopard Kingdom and The World’s Most Famous Tiger.

Big Cat Month airs exclusively on National Geographic Wild.

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The Woman In Charge tells the story of Gloria Guzmán, a woman who appeared to have it all: a successful career, a cherished son, and a loving family. On what is supposed to be the happiest day of her life, marrying the father of her son, the celebration turns into tragedy when a group of hitmen bursts into the ceremony and kills her groom. Gloria not only loses her great love, but her family also turns their back on her, the government seizes all her assets, the media points fingers at her, and her husband’s enemies pursue her, demanding payment for dirty deals she was unaware of. In her fight for survival, she is mentored by top crime bosses, whom she must win over by using her two most dangerous weapons: her intelligence and her beauty.

The stellar cast also includes Mauricio Henao, Andrés Almeida, Azela Robinson, Verónica Merchant, José María Galeano, Jorge Luis Moreno, and Yany Prado. The ensemble is rounded out by renowned actors Pepe Gímez, Julieta Grajales, Sara Corrales, Uriel del Toro, Jesús Moré, Guillermo Quintanilla, Gary Centeno, Laura Vignatti, Sachi Tamashiro, and Dante Aguiar.

Produced by Telemundo Studios, this series was written by José Vicente Spataro and is directed by Mauricio Corredor, Mauricio Meneses, and Laura Marco. Juan Pablo Ambrís, David Fernández, and Alejandro Tellez are photography directors, with Juan Santiso as production designer. Mónica Vizzi from Telemundo is the executive producer of the series.

The Woman In Charge premieres exclusively on Telemundo on 26 January, with new episodes every night at 10 PM until the season finale on 30 April 2026.

Telemundo is available on DStv 118

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Johannesburg, 2 September 2025: It’s the ultimate test of precision, pressure and perseverance. In National Geographic’s new six-part series TOP GUNS: THE NEXT GENERATION, cameras follow a class of Navy and Marine Corps student pilots as they enter the final and most unforgiving phase of elite strike fighter training. It’s six months of high-stakes aerial training, brutal physical demands, and emotional reckoning, where only the top performers earn the chance to fly the most coveted aircraft. TOP GUNS: THE NEXT GENERATION will premiere on Wednesdays at 20:30, from 17 September 2025, on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220) across Africa.

The series goes beyond the cockpit, following ambitious young Navy and Marine students both in the air and off-base, capturing candid moments with family and friends and revealing the personal stakes, sacrifices and motivations that brought them here. Filmed with unprecedented access, it immerses audiences in a world of intense pressure and soaring expectations, where dreams of earning wings of gold collide with the harsh reality of the grueling training. From bombing drills to close-range dogfights and nail-biting carrier approaches, each episode captures the intense demands of a program that challenges their abilities, endurance and resolve at every turn.

While the emotional stakes fuel the story, it’s in the skies where the drama hits full throttle. Outfitted with in-cockpit cameras, the series delivers a breathtaking front-row experience to capture moments of precision, panic and hard-fought triumph as they happen. Filmed by some of the creative talent behind the blockbuster film “Top Gun: Maverick,” the aerial sequences are cinematic and pulse-pounding, pushing the limits of what these student aviators—and their aircraft—can do.

Episodes include the following:

• “STRIKE”

One student’s dreams of becoming a fighter pilot are put in jeopardy as the class starts advanced phase training with a set of breathtaking bombing tests. Diving at speeds they’ve never faced before, students struggle with the dynamic moves and start to make high-risk mistakes. Instructors deliver tough assessments in the debriefs to keep the students safe.

•  “CATCHING THE WIRE”

Landing on an aircraft carrier demands precision flying and is a skill vital for all U.S. Navy fighter pilots. As the students tackle the longest and most technical section of the Advanced Phase, they know it’s a test they must pass to keep their dreams alive. The pressure mounts on some struggling students, and the commanding officer issues a timely warning to one.

• “ATTACK ATTACK!”

As the students reach the midpoint of their training, they start the iconic dogfighting phase. Against them are seasoned instructors with hundreds of hours of real-world experience. To pass, they must outmaneuver the enemy to take a “kill shot.” One student has the added pressure of flying with his Top Gun-trained commodore, while another struggles to control his aggressive instincts.

•  “FIGHT’S ON!”

As they enter the second and most challenging phase of dog fighting, everything is on the line for our students. Defensive dogfighting involves dynamic maneuvers to evade battle-hardened instructors. The physical strain proves too much for one student, while another has a crisis of confidence when past failures come back to haunt him.

• “HEAD-TO-HEAD”

The students face their final test in an iconic head-to-head dogfight against an instructor. To pass, they must bring all the skills they’ve learned during their Advanced Phase training. With graduation just days away, students start to worry about their final grades and whether they will get the posting they—and in many cases, their families—want.

• “LAST CHANCE”

It’s graduation week. For the remaining students, it means they have one last chance to prove they deserve their prestigious fighter pilot wings. Standing in their way is a tense head-to-head dogfight against an instructor. Past failures come back to haunt one student, and another’s whole fighter pilot future comes down to a single flight with their commanding officer.

TOP GUNS: THE NEXT GENERATION is produced by Rex, a Zinc Media Group Label, for National Geographic. For Rex, the executive producer is Tanya Shaw, the series director is Lana Salah, and the showrunners are Karen Edwards and Chris Parkin. For National Geographic, the executive producer is Simon Raikes, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of Unscripted Content, and Tom McDonald is the executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.

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A talented chocolate artisan, Cacau dreams of earning an international diploma in pastry and chocolate, but her path seems blocked by financial obstacles. Faced with these hurdles, her father decides to reveal Cacau’s true identity to the powerful Justino Vaz Pereira, owner of the farm where they live. Justino discovers that he had a daughter with the great love of his life, a teacher from the ranch who had mysteriously gone missing years ago. This discovery marks the beginning of a series of events full of intrigue and dramatic twists and turns.

The revelation of Cacau’s identity will make her the centre of a whirlwind of lies and family disputes. Her life will never be the same again, and in the quest to uncover the truth about her past, she will cross paths with Tiago, a man who will do everything to help protect her.

Cacau is led by Matilde Reymão in the titular role Clara ‘Cacau’ Coutinho, starring opposite love interest José Condessa as Tiago Saavedra. They are supported by Alexandra Lencastre, António Capelo, Carolina Amaral, Fernanda Serrano, Paulo Pires, Diogo Amaral, Ludy Guimarães and Vitor Britto.

Cacau is a TVI and Plural Entertainment production, internationally distributed by Onza Distribution. Written by Maria João Costa alongside Edu Araújo and Rui Nuno Vaz Tomé, the series is directed by Edgar Miranda, Ricardo Carreira, Rafael Rahal and Letícia Veiga. Ana Almedia executively produces.

The brand-new series, Cacau, premieres exclusively on Telemundo on 26 May at 22:00 CAT, with new episodes airing every day until the season finale on 18 October 2025.

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From Tucci’s SALT Productions, alongside BBC Studios’ Specialist Factual Productions, the five-part series follows Tucci on a visually stunning and deeply personal exploration of the country’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and the complex connections with its food that have shaped each region’s distinct culture and, of course, their iconic pasta. TUCCI IN ITALY premieres Wednesdays at 20:30 (CAT) from 21 May 2025 on National Geographic (DStv 181, Startimes 220) and will also be available to stream on Disney+ in South Africa.

More than just a travelogue, the series is a rich, narrative-driven exploration that delves deep into the heart of Italy’s culinary traditions. In TUCCI IN ITALY, Tucci meets with locals, chefs, fellow foodies, fishermen, artisans and even cowboys to unearth hidden gems and untold stories, resulting in a curated journey across the full series. With National Geographic’s signature immersive storytelling, the series offers a fresh perspective on both well-loved and undiscovered corners of Italy, blending stunning cinematography with Stanley’s signature wit and charm.

Tucci said, “Italy is a feast for the senses, and TUCCI IN ITALY is an invitation to the table. It’s about more than just the food; it’s about the people, the history, and the passion that makes Italy so special. I hope you’ll join me on this new adventure. I believe that eating well is inspiring, and I hope to inspire viewers to embrace the beauty and richness of Italian culture.”

Across five unforgettable episodes, Tucci indulges in a lavish Sienese feast in Tuscany, uncovers futuristic farm-to-table delicacies in Lombardy, and rediscovers the rustic soul of Lazio through its timeless culinary rituals. And for the first time, he visits the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, where he samples pine needle pesto in the Alpine wonderland and experiences Abruzzo’s wild seafood traditions atop a trabocco, a centuries-old wooden fishing platform. Along the way, Tucci immerses himself in the stories, passion, and traditions that have shaped Italy’s most iconic dishes. This is Italy, as you’ve never seen it before—an intoxicating blend of flavors, history and heartfelt storytelling.

Episodes include the following:

• “TUSCANY”

Stanley revels in the artistry of the food in this picturesque region. The spirit of culinary creativity is alive in the birthplace of the Renaissance. In Florence, where he spent a memorable year of his youth, he samples a famous, and unexpected, breakfast dish. He heads out on the ranch with traditional Tuscan cowboys and experiences a grand outdoor feast in Siena at the world-famous Palio.

• “LOMBARDY”

Stanley exposes the pioneering spirit of Italy’s industrial heartland, where the cuisine and ingredients are defiantly forward-thinking. He samples a futuristic menu made possible by a space-age farm, taste-tests new dishes at the country’s famed service stations and discovers one of the world’s most expensive ingredients being grown in the shadow of a steel factory.

• “TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE”

Stanley delves into the complex identity of Italy’s northernmost region, where many speak German as well as Italian. He samples an unexpectedly delicious hay soup, skis down a mountain to experience Dirndl Day, eats slope-side polenta, and fly-fishes in a glacial river. Along the way, he uncovers a history of border conflict, which has left its mark on the people and their food.

• “ABRUZZO”

Stanley discovers unexpected delights in this wildest of regions, one he’s never visited before. He explores how the rugged terrain impacts its food and culture. High up in sheep country, he cooks mutton on a traditional barbecue, savors a Sunday lunch with an unexpected French influence, and reveals the surprising—and deliciously sweet—origins of confetti.

• “LAZIO”

Stanley ventures beyond Rome to Lazio’s less-visited countryside to understand the relationship between the ancient metropolis and rural heartland. He samples a Roman pizza, porchetta from Ariccia, a rustic fish soup, and a springtime lamb dishes that share a culinary soul with beautiful ingredients allowed to speak for themselves.

TUCCI IN ITALY is produced by SALT Productions and BBC Studios. For SALT Productions, Stanley Tucci and Lottie Birmingham are executive producers. For BBC Studios, Amanda Lyon is executive producer, Ben Jessop is co-executive producer, and Alan Holland is head of Specialist Factual Productions. For National Geographic, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Global Development, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.

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If we have learned anything from the global Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting nationwide lockdown, it is that life can change overnight. But can people change? A moving new film by actor-turned-director Andrew Heckler, set to be showing on DStv Box Office soon, tries to answer this age-old question.

Burden is a dark tale documenting the true story of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) member Mike Burden, who was raised in an atmosphere of hate and segregation. The film kicks off in 1996 when Mike, along with his Klan family, opens the Redneck Store and KKK Museum in South Carolina, the presence of which is inflammatory to the local black population. When he falls in love with someone who is deeply opposed to his racist views, he is forced to make a choice – one which finds him homeless and unable to find work.

Against all odds, help comes in the form of Mike’s mortal enemy, civil rights activist Reverend David Kennedy. The young man’s life is impacted forever when the Reverend offers to take him into his own home, sending shockwaves through the community. The unlikely pair forms a true bond, forging a path towards redemption and forgiveness as they face down merciless Klan members and sceptical parishioners.

It took more than two decades for Heckler to make his directorial debut with this eyebrow-raising true tale, which he also wrote – he first saw an article about the opening of a KKK museum and shop in 1996. The film finally premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the US Dramatic Audience Award.

The story is brought to life by a solid cast. Garrett Hedlund impresses as Mike in a nuanced portrait of a man resistant to change. Loose limbed and dumb looking, his quiet nature hides his penchant for horrific violence and his high-ranking place in the Klan.

Then there’s Mike’s opposite. The Reverend David Kennedy, who is expertly portrayed by Forest Whitaker, is a family man dedicated to his faith, and who is committed to always doing the right thing. Versatile British actress Andrea Riseborough plays Judy Harbeson, the young woman who steals Mike’s heart and who helps save his soul.

Hedlund, Whitaker and Riseborough are supported by the likes of Tom Wilkinson, Usher Raymond and Crystal Fox.

While Burden is a no holds barred story about race that shows the ugliness of hatred toward our fellow man, it is also about love conquering all. It delivers an incredible and powerful message – true change is possible, but it takes courage and determination to push through the difficult moments change so often requires.

The film is distributed by Filmfinity (Pty) Ltd. and will be available on DStv Box Office.

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