Jaci (Anel Alexander) and JP (Nico Panagio) return, their once fairy-tale romance now tested by real-world demands. As personal aspirations clash and family expectations loom, the pair must navigate what “happily ever after” truly demands.

Image Caption: JP and Jaci, played by Nico Panagio and Anel Alexander in Semi-Soeter, launch on 20 June 2025

Love, Lies, And Legacy

Several years into their marriage, Jaci and JP appear to have it all. Yet, behind the polished exterior simmers growing tension. The expectation to start a family weighs heavily, amplified by well-meaning inquiries and unspoken pressures neither is fully prepared to confront.

When a lucrative business opportunity lands in their laps, it seems their dreams are finally aligning — until JP’s ruthless former school rival Joubert (Neels van Jaarsveld) resurfaces, determined to claim both the deal and his place at the top.

A Scheme To Outshine The Competition

With everything on the line, Jaci, JP, and their loyal business partners, Hertjie (Louw Venter) and Karla (Sandra Vaughn), craft an elaborate scheme to outwit their competition. What begins as a harmless lie swiftly unravels, exposing insecurities and forcing the couple to confront the hard truths of love, ambition, and identity.

More Than Just A Sequel

Co-written by Anel Alexander and Sandra Vaughn, and directed by Joshua Rous, Semi-Soeter is no simple follow-up. Picking up where the charm left off, the sequel brings added depth, sharper laughs, and high-stakes emotional drama. Familiar faces like Diaan Lawrenson as the blissfully quirky Chadrie and screen legend Hélène Truter as the razor-tongued Marietjie ensure that fans of the original will feel right at home while the story stakes out new, bolder ground.

Synopsis

The sequel to the 2012 hit Semi-Soet sees Jaci and JP battling not only external forces but the fragility within their own relationship. Career ambitions, family demands, and a web of well-intentioned deceptions force them to reevaluate what truly matters. Is their marriage built to last, or is it time to redefine their fairy tale?

Cast & Crew

Production Company: Scramble Productions
Writers: Anel Alexander, Sandra Vaughn
Director: Joshua Rous

Key Cast:

• Anel Alexander
• Nico Panagio
• Diaan Lawrenson
• Neels van Jaarsveld
• Louw Venter
• Sandra Vaughn
• Hélène Truter

The post Love Grows Up: Semi-Soeter Launches 20 June With A New Chapter Of Romance, Laughter, And Real Life appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Die Superhero Superstêrre Showcase is ‘n opwindende verhoog extravaganza, soos nog nooit vantevore beleef in Suid-Afrika nie.  Soos aangebied deur die gesogte FAMEWORX handelsmerk, in samewerking met Sun Arena Time Square, vind hierdie belewenis plaas op 22 September 2019.  Die algemene tema vir vanjaar, is Superheroes en beloof om die familiegeleentheid van die jaar te wees.

Van Suid-Afrika se top sangers en musikante word gekombineer met vermaaklikheidstêrre, dansers, komediante, kulkunstenaars, SA Rugbysplers en vele meer vermaak, om ‘n tweetalige, 3-uur lange interaktiewe, hoë-energieke gesinsprogram aan te bied, wat deur die Superhero Supersterre Showcase, vir kinders en volwassenes van alle ouderdomme, voorsiening maak. Dit is vermaak met ‘n hoofletter V.

Kunstenaars sluit in Jay, Lianie May, Deon Groot, Early B, Majozi, Jakkie Louw, Sorina die Flooze, Pieter Marcato, Vincent Gordon, Pieter Smith, Johann Scheppel, Ampie, Marulaboom, Bianca Goosen, Pieter Koen en Larry Soffer.  Verder sal The Voice SA se Fatman, Caroline Grace en Samantha Leonard ook hulle buiging maak, saam met die aanbieder, Nico Panagio van Survivor South-Africa.    Die Superhero tema word regdeur die hele vertoning gevoer en beloof pret vir die hele gesin.

Kaartjies kan verkry word vanaf Computicket, met pryse wat wissel van R100 vir kinders, tot R800 vir BBP-toegang.  Ondersteuners met BBP kaartjies, kan voordele geniet wat ‘n eksklusiewe, skouspelagtige ervaring beloof. Hierdie ervaring sluit in ‘n voorafgaande BBP partytjie 2 ure voor die vertoning wat eet- en drinkgoed sal insluit.  Nog meer eet-en drinkgoed sal bedien word tussendeur die skouspel, asook ‘n Ontmoet-en-Groet ervaring met die kunstenaars na afloop van die program.  BBP kaartjie-houers kan ook die konsert geniet vanaf hulle eie rusbanke, reg voor die verhoog.  Daar is slegs ‘n beperkte aantal BBP Kaartjies besksikbaar.

‘n Deel van die oprengste wat tydens hierdie geleentheid ingesamel gaan word, gaan vir selfs ‘n beter doel geskenk word.  5% van alle kaartjieverkope, asook 5% van fondse wat deur borge ingesamel word, gaan begunstig word aan die Superhero Cancer Kids.  Dors Water het ook self aan boord gekom met hierdie innitiatief, en sal ‘n verdere R2.00 per botteltjie water wat verkoop word, aan hierdie doel skenk.

Superhero Cancer Kids, is ‘n nie-winsgewende onderneming, wat daartoe toegewyd is tot die bewusmaking van kanker onder kinders, met die groot doel om hierdie bewusmaking onder die publiek, asook ondersteuning vir die jongspan wat aan hierdie siekte lei, te bevorder.  Van die begin af, is hulle fokus hoofsaaklik op kindertjies van so jonk as twee jaar oud tot en met die ouderdom van sewe jaar.  Hulle Missie word in drie gefokusde sleutelareas opgedeel, naamlik Hospitaal besoeke, buite Hospitaal besoeke, asook geondersteunde Hospitaal besoeke.  Gaan loer gerus op hulle Facebook bladsy, as jy voel om by te dra tot voordeel van hierdie jong Superhelde.  (https://www.facebook.com/superherocancerkids/)

Superhero herdenkings sal ook te koop wees, saam met die Unieke Programme wat op die tema gebasseer is.

Is julle gereed vir die Superhero Supersterre om op te daag en die redders van die dag te wees?  Maak die datum van 22 September 2019 vas, en kom geniet ‘n genotvolle aand by die Sun Arena Time Square, wat vir altyd ontou sal word.

Besoek gerus www.superherosupersterreshow.co.za vir verdere inligting.  Volg ons ook by op Facebook: @superherosupersterreshow en Instagram: @superherosupersterreshow.

The post Die Superhero Superstêrre Showcase appeared first on Stage and Screen.

by Louw Mulder

Sometimes, life just decides to give back, rewarding you for all the times you were at the giving end. That is how I received the blessing that came my way earlier this year, when I was selected by M-Net to be part of the media group to travel to the Philippine Island of El Nido, where the production company, Afrokaans, was at the time busy filming the current series of Survivor South Africa. To sum up my experience as once-in-a-lifetime, would be an understatement, as it was filled with so many events, blessings in fact, that money simply cannot buy.

After three airports in as many countries, fifteen hours in two planes, and a 6-hour road trip through the landscapes of the Palawan province, we arrived in El Nido at about 22:00, bringing the total travelling time to over 24 hours since leaving O.R. Tambo International. We were received with a warm welcome from M-Net’s Ingrid Engelbrecht and very friendly Linda Steynberg, a production member with Afrokaans. Not only did the friendly South African faces warm us up after a rapid overdose of Chinese and other Asian faces, the humid, hot climate of this tropical Island, started to add reality to the overwhelming fact that I was where I was.

Within a few moments, the friendly vibe was replaced with a sudden shift in attitudes, prompting an uncertain, clueless feeling towards what is happening.  Then I realised that we were all being treated as the real Survivors were, when they arrived at this very same spot, prior to starting their quest for the million rand. We were instructed to be back at this spot in the morning at 5 am. That is all that was said to us. After getting to our rooms for some sleep, I was intrigued, yet very excited finding my instruction package on my pillow. It all became real: “You will be taken to your secret Island, where you will be cast away, to play Survivor“.  How long we would be on the island, secluded from society, the menu for the next unknown number of days, were all a puzzle on it’s own, as I went to bed content, and happy.

It was Tuesday morning, the sun was waking up, and I tasted the crisp, foreign breeze of this tropical paradise. Lead by our guides, refusing to engage in any type of communication, we came to a spot where the gentle rays of the northern hemisphere’s dawn, introduced us to awe and beauty of our surroundings. There was the ocean, connecting all the many small islands as far as I could see. I was overwhelmed. Blessed. I took some moments to just pause, reset my excitement to appreciate this real-life scenery of nature’s magic.

Breaking the spell caused by the hypnotising scenes of our surroundings, were the boats on the water, being occupied by people, lots of people. Some with two-way radios, others with big, HD cameras, and me, realising that I was in the middle of a world-class, full scale TV production being created there and then.  Even all these water-vehicles in front of nature’s backdrop, was picture-pretty.

As a tribe of our own, we made our way to our boat which would sail us off to this adventure.  We assembled, and met our sergeant, Nini Conradie, officially referred to as the content producer, telling us that we would now be taken to another location, but broke our excitement as she explained that there was to be no communication of any kind between us castaways, until the game began.

I felt as confused as a chameleon on a pride flag, fusions of excitement, gratefulness, experiencing the real essence in the meaning of happy, but being forced to remain silent and focus my attention to the magnificent shapes of all the various islands, as our boat passed through the crystal clear, turquoise water. It was the first time I heard the beauty-radiating nature talk to me in an audible voice. This however, was personal, peaceful, being totally consumed by the majestic views all around me.

Dropped on our secret Island, right after our first reward challenge, I had my mind in multitasking mode. Most importantly, I was there in full spirit, opened up to experience everything in total abundance, before it was over. Secondly, I aimed to satisfy my inner-interest of how everything that happens in a production like this, is being done behind the scenes, with thirdly, being open-minded as a contestant, even though in a mini-setup, to play the game of Survivor.

It is so surreal to see how it is made, to be in that moment where you are at, knowing that from here on forward, you are left to your own mercy. Deep down I knew that I would someday like to play the game for real, but this experience has changed my mind, living within the severe degree of difficulty the real contestants had to, some of them for almost 40 days. With only a limited amount of water provided and only being able to feed yourself with what you can find on the island or win in challenges, you need to divide your mind, heart, and motivation in as many ways that will see you stay in the game, both physically, and mostly, emotionally.

What I realise the real castaways are faced with, is the effective ways to intertwine the matrix of challenges that are only drafted in your head, once every situation unfolds more options to venture into. You are faced with the fact that you are in a very hot and humid environment, where a cool spot in the shade is nowhere possible, due to the many types of insects and creatures whose environment you are invading, are making most spots very creepy.

Then, as a common need, there are the need for shelter, fire, along with all the other things that will make surviving possible. Even though the basic instinct of surviving comes first, the sword of your actual participation in a game worth a million bucks, doesn’t leave your thoughts, making your every decision and move, based partially on the psychological principle of how much it will be acceptable to your fellow players… because at the end, your life in the game, may depend on the name they will write down sometime.

What is not seen on TV, is the scale of the behind-the-scenes production, with a full medical team being on stand-by at all times, as well as the cameramen, and the content producers keeping a hawk-eye on everything. Communication between the Survivors and any of the crew both ways, are completely prohibited, except for emergencies and when the content producers are conducting interviews. There are cameras in your face, recording everything you do and say, but they are easily ignored, as you are instructed to go on as you would as if they were not there. And as I experienced, tempers flare high, and your irritation to other tribe members doing nothing, will make you say that thing you do which you normally won’t, when you know a camera is rolling.

A getaway moment, that time you can escape the theatrical drama of playing a Survivor game, is when you are called aside by the content producer, for that little one-on-one camera interview. You know very well that what you are saying there, can only come out when it is juicy enough to be screened on TV, so you just let go, making it a therapy session to just vent the frustration out.

While crews are kept to a minimum on the islands to maintain the feeling of isolation for the castaways, there are a crew of more than 160 people busy in the background at challenges, making everything possible; from the team designing and setting up all the challenges, to all the admin staff arranging all the boats to transport everyone to the next part where TV history will be made. I picked up, while being sailed off to another island for our own Immunity challenge, how much logistics are being put into even the smallest segment of the show. Now, after having seen so many episodes on M-Net already, thorough planning was visible in the excitement of each episode.

During the challenges, much more is happening behind the scenes than what an episode has time for. The contestants are kitted up with microphones, while waiting for the production to finish rigging up a number of cameras. There are cameras hidden in trees, hidden in camouflaged scaffolding, even go-pro cameras along the obstacle course, positioned in such strategic places, as I learned without a doubt, to get those bad and humiliating falls on film.

Each element of a challenge, is directed from a fully-equipped production studio, set up somewhere along the obstacle course. The contestants, obviously unable to communicate with the whole production team, then gets a complete explanation of the challenge at hand, which will ensure that every contestant has a fair game, after many of the questions they may have, are answered.  When all the contestants are in their places, it is time for the very familiar call: “Survivors, are you ready?” Then the game starts, and your whole being goes into the need to win. You forget somewhat about the lack of food, the personal clashes at camp, just to know there are other people around you, even being ignored to the full.

Losing the challenge, like I have, is then rubbed in your face by your opposing tribe before you’re transported back to your camp, leaving you there until the next challenge, or Tribal Council. For the winner of the challenge, it may be sweeter, as Immunity is giving some peace of mind, with a step closer to the big prize. For the rest of us, the conniving and verbal backstabbing starts, betraying trust in discussions on who will be voting out, in order to enhance your own game. I found that a lot of personal values are being attacked, and moral issues are being confronted at that point, and the more hungry you get, the more you just worry about yourself.

So the time comes for the boats to arrive, to take us to tribal council. Again, being there as a contestant, as well as a journalist trying to see the real events behind the glamour, we were told what to do. It is a fully orchestrated, carefully designed production on its own, with stage lights, cameras as well as multifaceted elements behind the cameras. Handrie Bason, executive producer of this series from Afrokaans, told me during my stay there that Nico Panagio, presenter of Survivor SA, has carte blanche to just lead the contestants to open up, and as I have witnessed right there, happens very easily. “Sometimes, the tribal councils go on for a few hours, which make our task of editing it to a few minutes, really hard, but the content gets so much better” he said.

Behind the scenes, key crew members are kept informed of what happens on the castaways’ islands. In treating us like he would the real cast-aways, I saw the quality and professionalism embedded in Panagio, as well as his passion for the game. He treats every contestant with the same respect as what they treat the game. This in itself, is a huge psychological issue being one of the players, because he manages to get that touch of consciousness back in play, to make you rethink your strategy.

It was then time for us to vote, and to see the technical, real events, while voting is under way. I had my time to vote, and at the end, was voted out of the game. I had to step up, get my torch be put out, while being told by Nico Panagio that the tribe has spoken.   I had to feel that shitty feeling of leaving the tribe, walking down a pathway where you know it is the end.

Due to a Cyclone threatening those Islands of the Philippines we were at, M-Net decided to end our game due to our safety, but not before they told us that the real contestants, as well as the crew on those shifts, will carry on as normal. Within the real game, the show always goes on, standing back for nothing, not even bad weather. But for us, being there as people being blessed as we were, were sailed back to the main island, with a feast of real food waiting for us – and we were back to being treated as VIP’s by both M-Net and Afrokaans. For the rest of the week, we were there to get our information, and to experience the magic of the Survivor SA 6^th season location.

At the end of our time on El Nido, after having the wonderful experience of some tours of the various islands, getting to know the culture of our host island, and so much more intriguing elements making me personally in some way appreciating what I have back home, much much more, we left our hotel for the airport where our travels back home will take flight. After two connecting flights to Hong Kong, it was time to face the bittersweet emotions of heading back home. It was time to go, but I still didn’t want to leave this treasure I discovered, the previous 6 days. The realisation that we are on our way home to our mother country, stared me in my face, just as the Chinese air-hostess was, welcoming us onto the Cathay Pacific Boeing 777.

Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways offer scheduled passenger and cargo services to more than 180 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of 140 wide-body aircraft. The airline offers exceptional service and world-class products on the ground and in the air, including its multiple-award-winning long haul Business Class, in which we were unfortunately not flying in. Cathay Pacific has made substantial investments to develop Hong Kong as one of the world’s leading global transportation hubs. They believe that travelling well is an important part of living well. That’s why they continually strive to enhance the overall travel experience – to be more personable in their service, more well-thought-out in their design, more intuitive in anticipating their customer’s needs. When you travel well, your trip will become more memorable, more meaningful and more rewarding. This philosophy has been at the heart of everything Cathay Pacific has done for 70 years.

While getting hold of myself again, in a quiet, dark airplane, with Huis Genoot’s Marisa Fockema sleeping on my lap, my busy, but very grateful mind summed up my experience. South Africa was in for a treat, with this series of Survivor. I met Handrie Basson back in the first days of Stage and Screen during Idols op Kyknet, and knowing him this long, and to see how far he and Leroux have brought their company, gave me feelings of being proud to be part of this.

I was thinking about our host, Nadine Moonsamy, Publicity coordinator at M-Net, who made every day for us so special, treating us with the appreciation that will motivate our future endeavours with them. I was thinking about the many people I met on the Island from so many countries, the friendships that were born, as well as the real survivor buff in my language, as prove of me being a survivor.

Thank you M-Net, Afrokaans and Cathay Pacific. Now, it is time for South Africa to experience El Nido, through Survivor South Africa, to be screened on M-Net every Thursday at 19:00.

Here are some of the photos on our trip:

The post Stage and Screen Visits Survivor SA appeared first on Stage and Screen.

There is only one reality show has outlasted all its competitors. It has been called the greatest game on earth, and for 18 ordinary South Africans the adventure of a lifetime is about to start on M-Net channel 101 on Thursday, 3 May.  Nico Panagio is once again the present

In the sixth season of this hit global franchise, the 18 Survivor South Africa: Philippines castaways will be exposed to the beauty of thousands of islands connected by Pacific waters, each one home to distinct forests and bays which are teeming with indigenous wildlife, both beautiful and dangerous.  This season of Survivor, will showcase the beauty of the El Nido Islands in the Philippines.

Their aim will be to outwit, outplay and outlast their fellow competitors to endure longer than any previous South African winner: to Day 39, where the finalists will have to convince a jury of ousted contestants, whom they either directly or indirectly had a hand in voting out of the game, to give them the title of Sole Survivor and the whopping cash prize that goes with it.

In Survivor SA, you can be whoever you want to be, the only thing that matters is how you play the game. So, who will connive, strategize and physically and mentally triumph over others to become the next winner of the sixth season of Survivor South Africa?

Meet the contestants: (in alphabetical order)

ACE: (28) Graphic Designer from Johannesburg

Ace – a graphic designer from Johannesburg – might be familiar to some fans as M-Net’s “Wild Card” winner after outlasting seven other wannabe Survivor castaways through gruelling challenges over the course of three days to cinch himself a spot on the series. And all of this was done while strapped to a billboard in Johannesburg! Ace might come across as an underdog but as we know in the game of Survivor, looks could be deceiving. Ace believes that his strengths include his versatility to roll with the punches and his people skills, while his weaknesses include finding it difficult to say no to people.

[divider]

ANNALIZE (44) Caterer from Cape Town

Annalize is a mother of two from Cape Town who runs her own catering company. Annalize describes herself as an eternal optimist, always with a smile on her face, and feels that she reads people well – a quality that could stand her in good stead in a game like Survivor. Annalize doesn’t go anywhere without her gold bikini and admits that the one thing she’ll miss the most on the island, apart from her family, is an ice cold gin and tonic! Her favourite Survivor player is Monica Culpepper from Survivor: Blood vs. Water.

[divider]

CHANÉ (28) Admin clerk from Bloemfontein

Chane is a pint-sized admin clerk from Bloemfontein but one should not be fooled by her petite frame. Chane describes herself as a loud, fun-loving, charismatic “boeremeisie” who doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. She also admits that she is prone to being rather emotional: holding tears back is not one of her fortes. To prepare for Survivor SA: Philippines, Chane watched a lot of online videos on how to open coconuts… but will she have the skills to pay the bills once she lands on the island?

[divider]

JEANNE (34) Radio producer from Cape Town

Jeanne is a self-confessed “class clown” and Survivor super-fan who lists watching the show as one of her passions. She believes that being a student of the game is going to be her biggest strength in the series, as well as the fact that she practiced how to make fire with a flint before heading to the island. Jeanne admits that she is very opinionated and one of her weaknesses could be her inability to hold her tongue, especially when provoked.

[divider]

JOSIE (28) Travel writer from Cape Town

Josie is no stranger to weird and wonderful locations, given that she’s a travel writer with her own travel blog. Her passport may be full of stamps, but her journey to Survivor SA: Philippines will be unlike anything she has previously embarked on. Josie’s strategy in the game is to identify some trustworthy allies and to fly under the radar for as long as possible. Josie admits that her biggest weakness is getting bored easily, which could result in a lack of patience with others – not ideal for the social aspect of this competition.

[divider]

KATINKA (19) Social media influencer from Mosselbay

Bubbly Katinka is the youngest Survivor SA competitor in the history of the South African series. A social media influencer and content creator, Katinka is known to her followers as a tongue-in-cheek comedian who doesn’t take life too seriously. Optimistic and confident, Katinka admits that her major weakness in the game could be the fact that she struggles to keep secrets, which could result in a potential minefield given that deceit is one of the cornerstones of the game.

[divider]

MARTHUNIS (29) Investment advisor from Durban

No-nonsense Marthunis is a devout Christian and father of one from Durban. As a member of MENSA, Marthunis is intellectually nimble but admits that he struggles to read people and their emotions, so the social aspect of this game may pose a challenge for him. Marthunis says that viewers can expect him to be 100% real at all times during this competition – but how seriously will the other castaways take this suit-wearing investment advisor?

[divider]

MURISHCA (34) Marketing manager from Cape Town

Murishca is a mother of two who is representing all the moms out there who want to rise to a challenge and get out of their comfort zones. This straight-talking, authentic creative is all about being brave and facing her fears, which include swimming under water – a potential hazard on a show like Survivor where she’ll be surrounded by the Pacific Ocean! Her purple tracksuit top was the first thing she packed for the island, as she simply had to take something in her favourite colour with her.

[divider]

NEIL (55) HR Executive from Johannesburg

Neil is the oldest castaway on the series but certainly doesn’t look it. This fitness freak and grandfather describes himself as a Comrades-running, Duzi-paddling, Midmar-swimming, bungee-jumping, mountain-biking family man and teacher. With his extensive background in Human Resources, Neil has no problem taking charge and making decisions when others may be reluctant to stand out in the social game. What will Neil miss the most when on the island? His bed… and an ice cold beer!

[divider]

PALESA (28) Radio presenter from Johannesburg

Palesa is a tough cookie who has risen above adversity in her life so many times that she feels that Survivor SA will be a walk in the park for her. This highly competitive mother of one describes herself as the friend you wish to have, and the enemy you don’t. As a radio presenter her strength lies in being able to speak confidently and convincingly, but her confidence could pose a threat if not moderated. The first thing Palesa packed in her bag for the island was a supportive bikini top “to hold the girls in place” during challenges.

[divider]

PK (28) Mining technician from Johannesburg

PK is a mining technician who viewers will come to recognise because of his signature South African flag that he carries with him at all times. PK is in tip-top physical shape due to his experience as an MMA fighter but underneath this competitive appearance is a player who is a strategic thinker too. PK admits that his biggest weakness in the gruelling game of Survivor will be his tendency to overthink things. With paranoia being a common feature for Survivor players across the board, could this be PK’s downfall?

[divider]

SEAMUS (25) Property broker from Durban

Seamus is a super-fan of the Survivor franchise who is not out to make any friends on the island. He confesses that he is coming into the game to play hard, because chaos and initiate as many blindsides as possible. An unapologetic villain and strategist, Seamus admits that his weak spot could be incorrectly identifying the other strategists in the game. Physically fit and visibly strong, he could also pose a physical threat to other Alpha males on his tribe. Fans will immediately recognise Seamus by his signature blue straw hat.

[divider]

STACEY-LEE (27) Business analyst from Cape Town

Stacey-Lee is a business analyst from Cape Town who also plays rugby in her down time. She lists her physical strength and ability as a characteristic that will stand her in good stead in the competition, as well as her ability to remain cool under pressure – a skill that she undoubtedly honed on the sports field. Stacey-Lee comes across as tough on the outside and is adamant that women can do any job just as well – or better – than the guys. But deep down she reveals that she is a softie who forms emotional ties easily.

[divider]

TEVIN (24) Medical doctor from Durban

Tevin is a Survivor boffin who has watched every season of every franchise – sometimes watching indiviSurvivor SA dual seasons up to 15 times! This doctor, whose interests lie in the fields of neuroscience, behavioural science and physical cosmology, believes that Survivor is the best human social experiment on Earth. Tevin plans to do a lot of lying on the island, as he feels that the only way to play a successful social and strategic game is to have his competitors eating out of the palm of his hand. A hero to the tribe and a villain to the viewers, Tevin’s all-time favourite player of the game is Boston Rob.

[divider]

TOM (41) Adventure camp manager from Port Elizabeth

This what-you-see-is-what-you-get family man has loads of experience when it comes to literal “survival” skills. As an adventure camp manager, Tom builds shelters in the wild for a living and sees himself as the natural provider for his tribe. His skills include fishing, hunting, building shelter and making fire, but how will he fair in the social game? Tom is a self-proclaimed loud mouth who loves the sound of his own voice. Not scared of confrontation, could this be his downfall in such a socially delicate game?

[divider]

TONI (38) Content developer from Johannesburg

Toni is a Survivor fan who describes herself as an open-minded, passionate “potty mouth”. This CrossFit fanatic hopes that she can downplay her physical prowess until later in the game while focusing on her ability to play a good social game within her tribe. Toni enjoys a good laugh and admits to having a naughty sense of humour, but if provoked, she will not shy away from confrontation and speaking her mind as she can’t help but wear her heart on her sleeve.

[divider]

VUSI (35) Logistics manager from Johannesburg

Vusi is a family man who loves swimming, nature and a glass of whiskey every now and then. His strategy going into Survivor is to let the Alpha males take charge and put targets on their backs while keeping the focus off him. A charming all-rounder who is physically strong and also loves a good puzzle, Vusi’s downfall could be his impatience with people who come across as disingenuous or fake, as he is bound to encounter these traits in a game like Survivor!

[divider]

WERNER (34) Pastor and biokineticist from Secunda

Werner is another super-fan of the series who plans to eat, sleep and breathe strategy on the island. He is a people person who has been playing the hypothetical game in his head for four years since he entered Survivor SA in 2014 but didn’t make the cut. A self-confessed leader and ex-provincial rugby player, Werner plans to lie low and play a strong social game to get him further in the competition. But how will this pastor balance his real life ethics with those required to successfully play the game of Survivor?

[divider]

Survivor SA: Philippines is produced by Afrokaans Film and Television and is powered by the Huawei P20 Pro.

For more information about the series, visit www.mnet.tv/survivorsa, follow the hashtag #SurvivorSA or check the official Twitter and Instagram pages @survivor_sa and the Survivor SA page on Facebook.

The post Survivor South Africa: Philippines – Meet the Cast-Aways appeared first on Stage and Screen.

deur Louw Mulder

Verbeel jou ‘n eg-Afrikaanse produksie, gevul met komedie, aksie, en van ons land se top name in een film, en jy sal vining wakker word, met wat ek van mening is, een van die beste Suid-Afrikaanse vollengte speelfilms van hierdie jaar is. Nie net omdat dit met vyf toekennings by die 2017 Silwerskermfees weggeloop het nie, maar ook omdat Vuil Wasgoed iets heeltemal nuuts bied vir enige flimliefhebber.

Vuil Wasgoed handel oor twee ouens wat in ‘n wassery werk. Die een is dom, die ander een neem die leiding. Hulle ontdek op ‘n baie interessante manier ‘n afgekapte vinger in een van die baadjies wat gedroogskoonmaak moes word. Hierdie vinger, nog met ‘n baie duur ring aan, is die onderwerp van ‘n groot familie fiasko in die bende sirkels, wat nou hulle visier op die twee doodnormale Kevin en Wim fokus. ‘n Pure Afrikaanse kat-en-muis storie volg, met kinkels in die kabels, asook ‘n einde wat niemand kan voorspel nie.

Uit die pen van Bennie Fourie, kom Vuil Wasgoed, ‘n splinternuwe Afrikaanse film wat alles insluit; romanse, komedie, selfs aksie en verraad. Fourie se flymskerp, uiters skerpsinnge en skreeusnaakse draaiboek sit die kersie op die koek, wat hierdie produk ‘n nuwe dimensie gee, as net nog ‘n storie op die silwerdoek.

Wat hierdie teks meer krediet gee, is die bekwame en goed deurdunkte rolverdeling, waar die akteur volkome instaat was om elke unieke eienskap van sy karakter, tot lewe te roep. Vir sy spel in die hoofrol as Kevin, het Fourie reeds die toekenning vir beste akteur by die Silwerskermfees losgeslaan, maar ek glo vas dat deel van sy sukses te danke is aan ondersteunende spel, soos diè van Stiaan Smith, asook die drie bende-broers, Tim Theron, Nico Panagio en Charlie Bouguenon. Tussen die dorings was daar selfs die rose, soos Leandie Du Randt-Bosch en die talentvolle Simone Nortmann, wat kleur tussen al die swart in die spanning gebring het.

Theron se karakter word al vroeg in die film bekend gemaak as die skelm van die storie. Volgens my, kan hierdie spel van Theron beskou word as die beste nog van sy loopbaan, kort op die hakke van sy vertoning in Deon Meyer se Jagveld.  Ek het gedink dat sy sjarme en geheimsinnige glimlaggie onder sy kort baardjie, bygedra het tot die persona wat perfek gepas het by diè van Tom, Theron se rol.

Die beste ervaring vir my met so ‘n film, wat ook baie bydra tot die welslae van ‘n fliek, is wanneer ‘n akteur ‘n optrede gee wat die opinie oor hom heeltemal verander. Dit was die geval met Bouwer Bosch se spel. Die vertolking van sy rol as Wim, was uitstekend, snaaks, en nommerpas vir die karakter. Ek persoonlik dink nie dat die flim die woema sou gehad wat dit het, sonder Bosch se bydrae nie.

As vervaardigers van Vuil Wasgoed, het Fourie en Bosch saam met Danie Bester van The Film Factory ‘n film op die lappe gebring wat verras het met die inhoud, die ontwerp, asook die oorspronklikheid daarvan. Baie van die lof aan die kreatiewe kant, moet gaan aan die toegekende span, soos Produksie Ontwerper, Merishen Wessels, wat vir haar werk met die Beste Produksie Ontwerper by die Silwerskermfees die jaar weg gestap het.

Ook op hulle span, was Quinn Lubbe en komponis Benjamin Willem, wat by die 2017 Silwerskermfees met die pryse vir Beste Redigering en Beste Klank Ontwerp en Oorspronklike Musiek onderskeidelik weggestap het. ‘n Mens sal nogal dink dat Ek Lewe van Anneli van Rooyen in ‘n ander tipe flim sou hoort, maar die insluit daarvan in Vuil Wasgoed, het vir my baie goed gewerk. Eduan Kitching was die Kinematograaf, met Maritsa Maritz wat as Grimeerkunstnaar die skepperspan van Vuil Wasgoed voltooi het.

Alles het ten einde puik bymekaar gekom onder die leiding van die regiseur, Morne du Toit, wat die toekenning vir Bester Regisseur by vanjaar se Silwerskermfees opgeraap het. Daar is geboue wat opgeblaas word, skietgevegte wat lei tot bloedige affêres, asook ‘n ongeluk waar ‘n ontrou vrou haar les geleer word buitekant ‘n kluis… Hierdie alles het du Toit bemeester, om ‘n storie op die groot skerm te bring wat hierdie Kersfees tonne pret vir almal gaan besorg.

Vuil Wasgoed begin 8 December 2017 landswyd draai, en dit beloof om skoonskip die film vir die seisoen te wees.

Dankie dat jy hier was…

The post Vuil Wasgoed appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Survivor South Africa is back! M-Net has confirmed today that the hit international format, of which the broadcaster has already produced five seasons, is returning to screens in 2018.

For the sixth season of Survivor SA, M-Net is looking for players who are fans of the local and international series and have what it takes not only to survive harsh conditions on a remote island, but who are also ready to create fireworks in their tribes and win the game with their unique, strategic game play.

“M-Net plans to keep viewers glued to their screens next year with a variety of blockbuster local shows and we are extremely excited to have Survivor SA as part of this slate,” says M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. “Viewers have been begging us for a while to create another local version of what has become known as ‘the greatest game on Earth’. So, if you are a brave, bold strategiser, grab this opportunity to become the country’s next Ultimate Survivor.”

For this season of Survivor SA, you can be whomever you want to be once you set foot on the island. The only thing that matters is how you play the game. With the title of Sole Survivor and a cash prize of R1 Million at stake, how would you “outwit, outplay and outlast” your fellow castaways?

Online video entries are open until 26 November, so get creative and tell us why you should be picked as a member of the Survivor SA tribe! Eligible entrants must be over the age of 18 as of 30 November 2017. All you need to do is visit www.mnet.tv/survivorsa to submit your video entry.

If you struggle to do so, you can also come to M-Net’s special Survivor SA activation booths in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg where members of the Survivor SA team will help you to submit your online entry.

Durban:

Saturday, 11 November – New Beach, Durban North;

Cape Town:

Saturday, 18 November –  Canal Walk;

Johannesburg:

Saturday, 25 November –  Mall of Africa.

Survivor South Africa Season 6 will be hosted by veteran presenter Nico Panagio and the series is produced for M-Net by Afrokaans Film and Television.

For more information, as well as top tips from Survivor SA alumni such as Graham Jenneker and Vanessa Marawa, visitwww.mnet.tv/survivorsa

The post Survivor SA is Back appeared first on Stage and Screen.

VUIL WASGOED se lokprent is amptelik bekend gestel en is nou aanlyn te sien! Die film, wat onlangs by die kykNET Silwerskermfees in Kampsbaai weggestap het met vyf toekennings, word op 8 Desember 2017 landswyd in teaters vrygestel. In ‘n eenvoudige wassery in ‘n ondergemiddelde woonbuurt, is Wim en Kevin besig om ander mense se vuil wasgoed te was, droog te maak en te stryk.

Bedags is hul werk saai, maar snags bied dit vir hulle ‘n uitsonderlike geleentheid. Hulle ‘leen‘ hul kliënte se klere, hou snags partytjie daarin, was dit vinnig die volgende oggend en gee dit terug aan hul kliënte. Dis eenvoudig, dit werk en dit was lekker die eerste 52 keer. Maar, hulle word 30 en die pret word stelselmatig pateties.

Kevin is ‘n oorversigtige en verliefde beheervraat. Hy is moeg vir al die speletjies waarin Wim hulle inpraat en voel of sy lewe ernstig oppad is nêrens heen. Sy beste vriend Wim daarenteen, is ‘n mense-mens wat leef vir partytjie hou. Hy is verlief op sy snor en het ‘n diep passie vir die tagtigs. Hulle groot droom is om hul eie koffiewinkel oop te maak. Maar Kevin raak frustreerd met Wim se laksheid. Hulle spaar al sewe jaar aan ‘n tweejaar-spaarplan.

Aan die anderkant van die stad loop ‘n vreemde transaksie lelik skeef. Die berugte juweelsmokkelaar Charles Gotty is sy vinger en ‘n skeepsvraghouer vol diamante kwyt nadat hy deur een van sy handlangers verraai word. Sy twee seuns, Joe en Manny, moet dit soos Kaïn en Abel uitwoed om hul pa se vinger op te spoor om sodoende die familiebesigheid te verower.

Hierdie twee wêrelde kruis wanneer die verraaier, Tom, sy baadjie ingee om gewas te word. Wim oortuig Kevin om vir oulaas te gaan partytjie en om vir Nikki, die liefde van sy lewe, te probeer soen. Kevin stem in. Hy kies Tom se baadjie vir die partytjie. By die partytjie, ontdek Kevin iets in die baadjiesak: ‘n Koue, afgekapte vinger met ‘n yslike ring aan die ding. Hul lewens word in ‘n oogwink omver gegooi.

Dinge ruk vinnig hand uit en Wim en Kevin word die beskuldigdes van ‘n moord waaraan hulle geen aandeel het nie. Hulle moet vir Jackie, ‘n venynige sekuriteitswag, opspoor om hulle onskuld te bewys. Kort op hulle hakke is twee broers met ‘n rash, ‘n blinde handlanger, twee top-polisiebeamptes en ‘n ongenaakbare verraaier. En iewers staan ‘n skeepsvraghouer met ‘n kosbare vrag en wag vir die hele spul om toe te sak.

The post Vuil Wasgoed appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Mortuary Attendant Sonette Myburgh (40) meekly stumbled out of M-Net’s Survivor South Africa: Champions this week after an injury turned her into a liability for her tribe.

An unanimous vote at Tribal Council made her the eighth person to be sent home from the desolate island in the South China Sea, leaving captain Mark Fish and the underdogs of Utara with just 6 players, as opposed to the 8 in Corne Krige’s strong Selatan.

Sonette’s injury, sustained when the Utara shelter’s pole fell on her legs during a storm, made it hard for her to run and keep up with her tribe mates – with one slip costing Utara outright victory in this week’s Reward Challenge. Her alliance members, convening after the devastating Immunity Challenge defeat to Selatan, told her straight out that she would be the next to go.

She considered playing the Hidden Immunity Idol, but then decided to sacrifice her desire to become the next Ultimate Survivor for the benefit of the tribe.

In her exit interview on the island Sonette explained: “I know I’m going to see myself and think: ‘you stupid girl, why did you do that?’ But I knew that they needed strength in the tribe. I respect that. I didn’t have any hard feelings towards anybody. I hope that somebody from Utara gets to win this.”

This week’s Reward Challenge saw the teams testing their memory and team work skills as they dashed through the jungle, tethered to each other in a race, to retrieve totems which would win them fruit rewards. Each tribe claimed two wins, with one shared after a video review called one leg, a draw.

With full stomachs and renewed vigour after sampling Rambutan, Honeydew Melon, Watermelon, Dragon Fruit and Pineapple, the tribes reconvened to fight for Immunity. The challenge also depended on teamwork, with all members of the tribe required to gather at specific stations before the next stage of the game could commence. The final station saw tribe members catapulting coconuts to break tiles, to keep their tribe together for at least another night. Solly, who sat out the Reward Challenge for Selatan, was the hero once more, winning them a challenge that they’d led throughout.

While Utara moved to eliminate one of their own, life at Selatan saw the tribe mates considering where it had all gone wrong for Gena, voted off last week despite them having smuggled a Hidden Immunity Idol to her after the tribe shuffle. Zavion declared Survivor “a numbers game” while Altaaf told Solly that he was glad things had played out with “the honest, good people” staying in the game.

Survivor South Africa: Champions is broadcast on M-Net on Sundays at 17:30, with a repeat on M-Net Series Zone on Saturdays at 13:00.

The post Survivor Champions appeared first on Stage and Screen.