Welcome to African Couch Potato, the #1 spot for the latest from the world of film and TV and African excellence. Kickin' off with acclaimed actor Idris Elba, who at a recent event in London noted the lack of cinemas across the African continent. "I want to build the African Odeon. . . the cinema experience that we have all gone through should be experienced by a new generation, I don’t think it should all be on a phone."

Next up, find out how Jo'Burg born 15 year old Bella Alexandras is smashing it in Hollywood.

Back to the subject of cinemas - here's a look at what's happening locally on the Silver Screen:

1. The Life of Chuck - A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King's novella.
2. Ballerina - An assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organization sets out to seek revenge after her father's death.
3. Materialists - A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
4. How to Train Your Dragon - As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike.
5. Elio - A space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.
6. Bride Hard - When a mercenary group takes a lavish wedding hostage, they have no idea what they are in for as the maid of honor is actually a secret agent ready to rain hellfire upon anyone who would ruin her best friend's wedding.
7. M3GAN 2.0 - Two years after M3GAN's rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation.
8. F1 - A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.

Too much effort? too much cold? Here's a selection that you can grab from the comfort of your own couch:

1. Straw - A single mother navigates a series of unfortunate events, leading her down an unforeseen path where she becomes embroiled in a situation she never envisioned, finding herself at the center of suspicion in an indifferent world.
2. Mountainhead - Four friends reunite during worldwide economic turmoil.
3. A Working Man with Jason Statham (Prime)
4. The Accountant 2 (Prime)
5. Talk To Me (Showmax)
6. Ouija (Prime)
7. Trainwreck Astroworld Tragedy (Netflix)
8. Die Hart 2 (Prime)
9. Shaka ILembe (DStv Now)
10. Breekpunt (Showmax)
11. Monster Hunter (Netflix)

And lastly, for more, check us out at Letterboxd.com, the social network for film lovers.

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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

There's a new superhero coming to Showmax! Iyanu. Iyanu is a teenage orphan girl who discovers she has divine powers and a destiny far greater than she ever imagined, one that involves saving the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland. 

The animated series is adapted from Nigerian creator Roye Okupe’s popular graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics. After its US launch Iyanu ranked as the #1 series on Cartoon Network . 

With the superhero genre currently at the height of popularity, Roye has made it a goal to create a connected universe of superhero and fantasy stories inspired by African history, culture and mythology. With the second season set to premiere in 2026 and more stories on the horizon, Iyanu is well on its way to becoming a defining franchise in modern animation.

Battling time differences, Gino managed to nail down a brief online 30 minutes with Roye in Maryland in the US. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Roye Okupe is an award-winning filmmaker, author, speaker and entrepreneur whose passion for comics and animation led him to found YouNeek Studios in 2015, an avenue that would allow him to pursue his dream of creating a diverse library of superheroes. Roye chats about what got him going, his move to the States and what keeps him busy.

Season 1 of Iyanu is now available to binge on Showmax.

Screenrant hails it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed.” 

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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

Here we are in June, so what better time of the year to talk about Christmas? But not just presents, tinsel and partying, this is about a Christmas slasher, coming from the pen of one Mpho Nkoana. Mpho is a passionate writer and an emerging talent in the film industry and ACP managed to grab him for a quick chat.

During his three-year diploma in motion picture production at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Mpho wrote a short thriller called Final Girl, which earned him the distinction of Best Achievement in Scriptwriting at the TUT Film Awards. After a stint as a freelance writer on popular soapie Uzalo, Mpho completed the prestigious Longhope TV writing residency and has recently been offered an internship with Bomb Shelter where he will be working with the team on Shaka Ilembe.

He is looking forward to collaborating with fellow creatives and aims to become one of South Africa’s leading showrunners, bringing compelling stories to life on screen. 

Back to the Christmas slasher... are SA audiences ready for a local sleigh fest? 

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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

A mixed bag, this episode, as we mourn the passing of a local star, take a look at what is happening with cinemas, drop a couple of reviews and celebrate the arrival of an award.

ACP was saddened to hear of the passing of actor Presley Chweneyagae, who shot to fame with the Oscar winning movie Tsotsi. 

Gino took his kids to the cinema and asks the question, "What is the future of cinemas?" Rising costs and only a handful of family titles due for release  over the next few months make it difficult not to stay home and enjoy the streamers.

Shaka Ilembe season 2 is about to hit our screens, so now is a good time to catch up with all of season 1, available on Showmax. 

In our review section, Gino looks at the new dramedy Sirens on Netflix, plus some upcoming titles to look out for. He then rolls back the years to 2016 with a look at Me Before You, starring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), on Prime Video

And the award? The trophy that just arrived was from our win last year for the Best Lifestyle and Entertainment Category in the African Podcast and Voice Awards, and this was against fellow podcasters from across the continent - which is what we stand for here on ACP, African excellence.

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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

A lot of us came across Brandon Auret's LinkedIN video where he spoke about foreign films, the importance of co-productions and how Donald Trump is throwing his toys when it comes to the American film industry. 

Award-winning actor and filmmaker, Brandon, is best known for his roles on Elysium, District 9, Chappie and popular soapie, Isidingo. He has called on Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to use Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs on films made outside the US as an opportunity to invest in the local film industry.

Gino caught up with Brandon for a Zoom chat about how building up our film industry would benefit not just local actors and crews, but whole communities. 

“I’m a firm believer in that when the door is closed, jump through the window,” says Brandon.

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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

Donald Trump’s policy of slapping tariffs on anything that he thinks is threatening the American job market is possibly about to hit our industry as his latest rant threatens a 100% tariff on all foreign (to America) films. In this weeks look at what's happening, Gino explains just what that would mean for the South African film industry.

Do you remember those great TV ads that used to grab the nations attention when they dropped? The ones that became part of everyday conversation. ACP looks at how social media and the instant gratification generation have made them "meh". 

Tyler Perry’s star continues to rise in Gino's eyes as we await the June launch of his latest offering, "Divorced Sistas".

And the reviews:

Gladiator II - swords and sandals action in the long awaited follow up to Ridley Scott's original. After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Battle Camp - Netflix reality stars battle in a remote camp where a spinning wheel determines elimination. Through physical trials, harsh punishments, and social gameplay, competitors fight to stay off the wheel and win $250,000.

And Mzanzi Magic's reality dating show, The Catch, makes its streaming debut on Showmax.

That should keep you warm as the temperatures get ready to fall.

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Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to tell us how brilliant it all is:
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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

It's always good to see that our politicians are up for a laugh and none more so than one-time DA leader Helen Zille. Showmax and Laugh Africa lined up a host of celebrities for the Roast of Helen Zille who arrived in a glittering dress worthy of any red carpet. Of the Roast, the politician said, "They call it the Roast of Helen Zille, but I’m about to cook!" Gino was lucky enough to get the invite to this historic and hysterical event.

We also give you the lowdown on a handfull of shows on the streamers as well as the launch of a brand new series.  

Trouble - Conny, a divorced salesman, gets wrongfully imprisoned for murder. There, he meets criminals who mistake him for a pilot like his ex-wife's new boyfriend. Chaos ensues as he navigates life behind bars while separated from his daughter. 

The Diamond Heist - In 2000, a group of London criminals plan an audacious heist: ram-raid the Millennium Dome, steal diamond and escape by boat on the Thames, but the police are surveilling them.

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kid Influencing - A revealing look into YouTube star Piper Rockelle's world, her relationship with her manager-mother Tiffany Smith, and the untold stories of past collaborators who were part of her content-creating team.

iHostage - When a gunman enters an Apple Store in the heart of Amsterdam, the police face a delicate challenge to resolve the standoff. Based on true events.

Life With Felix - A new reality show coming to Mzanzi Magic. The show follows Felix and his family, his friends and colleagues and basically gives us a glimpse into the chaotic life of Durban’s funniest man.

Yes? No? Send us a text

Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to tell us how brilliant it all is:
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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

In this week's ACP, we were lucky enough to get both the director and the producer of the acclaimed road trip movie Die Kwiksilvers. Gino sits down with director Jordy Sank and producer Gabriella Blumberg from Sanktuary Films to find out how two "rooineks" ended up creating this delightful Afrikaans mix of comedy, grief and road trip antics.

Jordy is a two-time South African Film and TV Award-winning Director, Screenwriter and Producer known for his feature documentary I Am Here, which won the Best South African Documentary Award at the Durban International Film Festival (2021). Die Kwiksilwers is his directorial narrative feature debut. 

Gabriella is also an award winner. She is a producer, director, and writer who focuses on stories that break stigmas. She produced the 3x SAFTA winning feature documentary I Am Here and the award-winning short Leemtes en Leegheid. She produced and co-wrote Die Kwiksilwers.

Filled with "heart and humour", Die Kwiksilwers follows the adventures of Elsabe Marais, an elderly widow and her three geriatric friends, who embark on a hilarious road trip across the Karoo to be at a meteor shower viewing in Sutherland. With only three days to get there, they speed away from her overprotective son, who is hot on their tail. 

Pile into the Ford Granada and head for the cinema from May 1st to catch Die Kwiksilwers on the silver screen. 

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Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to tell us how brilliant it all is:
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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025

What's it like to win an Emmy?

In this ep Gino gets to find out, as he chats to Stunt Coordinator Darrell McLean. 

In March this year, Netflix's One Piece Live Action grabbed two major awards at the Children and Family Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Original Song for a Children’s or Young Teen Program” and “Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Live Program”. One Piece was actually nominated in 11 categories and was up against Percy Jackson, Spiderwick and Sesame Street. Not bad going!

One Piece is an action adventure that tells the story of a young boy, Monkey D Luffy, who dreams of becoming King of the Pirates. One Piece Live Action is based on the manga series written and illustrated by celebrated manga artist Eiichiro Oda. 

For Darrell, the world of pirates is nothing new, as he spent several years working on Black Sails and is now back on board having just finished shooting Season 2 of One Piece. Catch Season 1 streaming on Netflix.

But, what is it like to win an Emmy?

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Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to tell us how brilliant it all is:
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Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
[email protected]

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

© SANTE MEDIA 2025