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Welcome to the Season 3 Finale of African Couch Potato, still the number 1 place for what's going down in the world of SA's TV and movies. We have also recently hit number 8 in Million Podcasts' Top 100 African Podcasts.  So what has been happening? last week Gino got the invite to a VIP screening of The Shards, a new series on Disney+. 17-year-old Bret finds his whole world changing with the arrival at his prestigious L.A. prep school of enigmatic new classmate Robert Mallory, that just happens to coincide with the appearance of a serial killer called The Trawler. With 3 years of episodes done and dusted, Gino looks back on what we have acheived since we began. One streamer that we all forgot about is eVOD, free to air broadcaster e.tv's viideo on demand platform. Gino gave the free version a whirl.  In other news, Season 3 of Tyler Perry’s Beauty In Black returns to Netflix on the 27th of August, while, later in September, fresh from The Polygamist, Kenneth Nkosi hits the silver screen in a local comedy adventure. Timmy The Kid also features Lillian Dube, Celeste Ntuli and Sandile Mahlangu.  Spider-Man: Brand New Day broke records with the biggest box office opening ever seen in SA cinemas. And, finally, to bring it home, Gino raves about The Odyssey, and why he rates it so highly. Till next time. 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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

“A Bartender is the aristocrat of the working class.” So goes the line from Tom Cruise's Cocktail.  The latest ACP is dialling in to Vegas to find out what went into the mix of Shaken & Stirred: The Story of Flair Bartending which is currently streaming on Apple TV. 4 x Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, and flair champion herself, Deborah Richards, directed this documentary with the help of Emmy-nominated producer and documentarian, Patrick Wirtz. Gino grabbed a Zoom call with the award-winning duo to find out how this all came about. Shaken & Stirred is the first full length documentary that covers the sport and art form of Flair Bartending. This is all about performing tricks with cocktail shakers, bottles, and other bar tools to entertain the patrons while making drinks. It combines elements of juggling, flipping, and sometimes even bar-magic, such as manipulating flaming liquors or performing choreographed routines, to enhance the overall guest experience and add excitement to bartending.  Shaken & Stirred: The Story of Flair Bartending recently won Film Threat's 2026 Best Sports Documentary and you can catch it right now on Apple TV. The Official Site for Film Director, Deborah Richards 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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

The end of July and thoughts are already turning to spring and warmer temperatures. Hi and welcome to ACP, still your number one spot for what's happening in the world of film and TV. In this ep, Gino casts his eye across the latest in the dating world as season 3 of Married at First Sight hits DStv Stream, and, adding some local flavour, Mageza Wants A Wife - follows a taxi driver who spends time with 10 young singles in the hope of also finding a forever connection. So good to have something that showcases the township side of SA, rather than the usual "yawn, yawn" places. Gino also takes a quick look at what you can look forward to on Netflix, which has a whole stack of stuff coming up: Mourinho - documentary about Jose Mourinho72 Hours - comedy with Kevin HartVarious Comedy Specials - look out for Rory Scovel, Kelsey Cook and Mary Beth Barone Umthetho - SA drama with Nqobile Nunu and Tony Kgoroge Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy - Mo Gilligan leads a documentary look into the fried chicken industryLet's Marry Harry - Dating show with Harry JowseyThe Last House - a psychological thriller The Idaho Murders College Nightmare - a documentary murder investigation It's not often that you get something for free, but Amazon is running a 30-day free trial, which Gino used to check out Project Hail Mary  and, would you believe it?, Tyler Perry's Finding Joy. And finally, we mourn the tragic passing of 18 year old actress Kaylee Hottle, known for the last two "Godzilla" movies, where she played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and learns to communicate with him through sign language. Next time we hook up with the director of Shaken & Stirred, a flair bartending documentary. 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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

A mixture of highs and lows in the latest episode of African Couch Potato. We reflect on the loss of actor and gospel singer, Seputla Sebogodi, and footballer Jayden Adams.  Best known for his role as Kenneth Mashaba in Generations, Seputla Sebogodi appeared in many well known productions, including Scandal! and Suburban Bliss, among others. as well as releasing a number of gospel albums. Only weeks before his passing, he premiered his new play Black Moon, at the National Arts Festival. And we also pay tribute to Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder,  Jayden Adams, just weeks after he helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the very first time. And speaking of the World Cup, it's done - Viva España! So, next up are the Springboks, who have already soundly beaten England, Scotland and Wales over the last few weeks, but on the horizon is the incoming All Blacks tour. Gino reflects on where best to watch Bok rugby.   And for something completely different, head for Disney+ to get up close with Hammerhead Sharks, and find out why it all reminded Gino of Moana. “You will board my boat, sail across the sea...” And don't forget our crowdfunding campaign to bring you ACP in all its technicolour glory, so you can watch as well as listen. There's a heap of rewards, depending on your donations. Check that out at  Thundafund - African Couch Potato. You know it's the right thing to do!   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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Welcome to African Couch Potato, SA's top audio podcast celebrating African film and television, according to Feedspot.com.  Music has long been celebrated for its power to inspire, but for Thulani “Fosta” Headman, it became the foundation for rebuilding a life, a life now featured in a new documentary.  Premiering at the Durban International Film Festival on 24 July, FOSTA follows Thulani's story from former Langa gang member and Pollsmoor prisoner to internationally recognised DJ, mentor, and community leader. Gino joined Thulani, via Zoom, to get some insight into how this documentary came to be, and to give you a taste of what FOSTA is all about.  Thulani talks of his early family life growing up in the company of some of South Africa's top musicians, and how that background became such a driving force for him, through his experience in Pollsmoor, to his part in the creation of a learning space in Langa, the Bridges Academy, that has helped transform opportunities for young creatives in the community, offering access to world-class technology, mentorship and education. Thirteen years in the making, FOSTA premiers at the Durban International Film Festival on 24 July.  And before we go, a reminder of our crowdfunding campaign to bring you ACP in all its technicolour glory, so you can watch as well as listen. There's a heap of rewards, depending on your donations. Check that out at  Thundafund - African Couch Potato. Every little bit helps.   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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

July, and it is freezing in Jozi. Last week, ACP was invited to a special screening of Dear Sis Dolly, a brand new movie about Drum Magazine, and more specifically one of South Africa's most trusted voices, Sis Dolly, Drum's agony-aunt.    Gino grabbed his chance and his phone to catch a few moments at the screening with the film's acclaimed director Twiggy Matiwana. This comedy drama is now showing at all Ster-Kinekors. Speaking of Ster-Kinekor, they have relaunched Throwback Cinema, so you can rewatch classics like:  Stuart LittleAnnieThe Hobbit Gone With the WindAnd if you download their app or hit their website, sterkinekor.com, you can find the latest releases, including: Toy StoryMoanaSupergirlMinions and Monsters The Death of Robin Hood Disclosure Day Jackass: Best and Last Scary MovieSpider-man: Brand New Day  Gino also brings you up to date with where he is with The Bear, and there's a new South African family drama on Netflix. The Four of Us centres on the influential Dhlomo family in which the usual issues threaten to tear the family apart. Hot stuff - and exactly what we need with the temperatures right now.  And finally, a reminder of our new crowdfunding campaign to help us bring you ACP in glorious video, so you can watch as well as listen. There's a stack of rewards, depending on your donations. Check that out at  Thundafund - African Couch Potato. Every little bit helps.   Stay Warm!  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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Firstly, a massive congratulations to Bafana Bafana, SA's national team for qualifying for the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup, alas, that is as far as it goes.  With the football done, it's an episode of reviews, kicking off with what has become a global sensation, The Polygamist. The South African hit telenovela follows Jonasi Gomora, a self-made CEO and banker, whose carefully curated empire begins to unravel as his wife, secret second wife, mistress, and girlfriend fight for his life and wealth.  Sandwiched between The Polygamist and the latest Avatar, Gino does some catching up by diving into The Bear, although he's only managed Season 1 as yet.  From food to fantasy, and Gino gets over himself to sit through the entire 3 hours 17 minutes of the ongoing happenings of the Blue people. And finally, back home again, as we head to this afternoon's film critics screening of the fresh new look at the legendary Drum magazine's agony aunt Dear Sis Dolly. Plus a reminder of our new crowdfunding campaign to help us bring you ACP in glorious video, so you can watch as well as listen. There's a stack of rewards, depending on your donations. Check that out at  Thundafund - African Couch Potato. Every little bit helps.   So, who's gonna make it past the last 16? 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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Something different this week. Among the nearly 60 titles on offer at the recent Encounters documentary festival was Miguel Eek's Amilcar. Amílcar Cabral (1924-1973) was a thinker and an African leader. He led the anticolonial armed struggle in Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde against Portugal but was assassinated 8 months before those countries became independent.  Miguel Eek was born in Madrid in 1982. Raised between Mallorca, Stockholm and Barcelona, where he graduated in Documentary Filmmaking at the Cinema and Audiovisual School of Catalonia (ESCAC). He completed his training at the Arcada University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki. Amilcar is a decade long project, drawing on letters to his wives, which seeks to move beyond iconography and return Amílcar Cabral to the realm of the human, the fragile, and the unfinished. ACP managed to grab a fascinating few minutes with the filmmaker, between him delivering a Live Masterclass to an enthusiastic audience at the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg on the complexities of running a 10 year movie project, and having to rush off to a sponsor's lunch.  And a reminder of our new crowdfunding campaign to help us bring you ACP in glorious video, so you can watch as well as listen. There's a whole bunch of rewards depending on your donations. Check that out at  Thundafund - African Couch Potato. Every little bit helps.  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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Toy Story 5 comes out this week. And, it features our very own Tyla, so you can hear from her and also catch Gino's take on the latest version. Plus, it's Youth Day. It's an all Disney ep as Gino also attended the Disney+ 2026 content showcase and he shares some of what went down and what to look out for this month. Not Suitable For Work - follows the lives of 5 workaholics as they navigate big city life and relationships in Manhattan.Hoppers -an environmentalist girl devotes her energy fighting the city mayor instead of concentrating on school work.Will Trent S4 - a Special Agent who takes on gripping new cases. Inspired by Karin Slaughter’s novels.Alice & Steve - a Hulu Original series from the UK.Best of the World with Antoni Porowski - explores some of the world's most extraordinary destinations.The Bear S5 -  A young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop.Avatar: Fire and Ash - Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.ESPN - catch all the latest sporting action. We give you a head's up on the launch of Disney+ Quiz Nights across the country from the 24th of June, and Gino gives the lowdown on our new crowdfunding campaign to help us bring you ACP in glorious video so you can watch as well as listen. There's a whole bunch of rewards depending on your donations. Check that out at  Thundafund - African Couch Potato. Every little bit helps. Dankie! And finally, it being football season, a quick look at just how Messi got discovered in Messi: The Forgotten Tape, also on Disney+.    Have a fabulous Youth Day! 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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

“Encounters is an opportunity to slow down and look behind the headlines to better understand our world.” - so says Mandisa Zitha, Festival Director of the annual Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. The 28th edition of this festival is in full flow in Cape Town, Johannesburg, as well as a small run in Pretoria and will continue until June 14. This year’s line-up includes a host of South African films alongside storytelling from around the world. In total 58 films from 33 countries have been selected. There will be world premieres as well as several international documentaries getting their first screening on the African continent. Gino managed to grab a slot with the busy Mandisa to dig deeper into her love of documentaries, what got her involved with Encounters, and how she manages all three cities at the same time, as well as the host of both national and international filmmakers. Mandisa is not called the "ambassador for the SA film industry" for nothing. To get the full picture of what's happening and to get your festival tickets, check out encounters.co.za  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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Welcome to the latest News, Views and Reviews with ACP, still the number 1 film and television podcast to listen to in S.A. according to Feedspot.com. Kicking off the week with a bunch of stuff to check out on Netflix: Season 4 of Perfect Match Season 2 of Murder MindfullyA new three part documentary on Kylie plus her "live-in-concert" The sports documentary series Untold hits the UK and first in the spotlight is footballer Jamie VardySacha Baron Cohen returns to the screen with the comedy Ladies Firstand coming very soon is the South African produced biblical story of David. You can check out the soundtrack here       Next up is Gino's review of Rafa, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at Rafael Nadal, his personal life, unseen archives, and his journey to return to competitive play in 2024 after overcoming injuries in 2023. Exclusive Books answered Gino's prayers and sent us Jet Li’s Beyond Life and Death, so our next Movie Book Club will go there. From Kung Fu to comedy. In our second review, Sacha Baron Cohen returns with Ladies First, where a male chauvinist is transported to a matriarchal society, facing challenges from a formidable female version of himself. And finally, the documentary festival, Encounters, is about to kick off, but more on that to come. For tickets and more info, head to the Encounters site.  And a final final, Gino won a game of Baccarat at the new Jade Casino - move over Mr Bond!   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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Welcome to ACP and our brand new Movie Book Club episode. This is a new idea where we cover books that are worth reading, especially if they have been turned into screenplays such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, 50 Shades of Grey, Game of Thrones and many more. From our friends at Exclusive Books, we got, among others, The Testaments by Margaret Attwood, currently streaming on Disney Plus. The Testaments is the sequel to the well known The Handmaid's Tale, and is set roughly four years later. The series focuses on a new generation of young women in the dystopian world of Gilead. The story follows Agnes, the biological daughter of Offred, and Daisy, a teen brought into Gilead from outside. Both attend Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives, where obedience is enforced brutally and framed as divine duty. Also check out Gino's list of other books that are either currently streaming on Disney Plus or are on their way: The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian AndersonSnow White Sing-along for a more interactive experienceMufasa: The Lion KingImpossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell, still in development by the studios. Freakier Friday the sequel to the adaptation of Mary Rodger’s “Freaky Friday” which came out in 2003Project Hail Mary by Andy WeirTime to get your read on. Check out your local store or online at exclusivebooks.co.za The Testaments supplied by Exclusive Books- the start to every great read.  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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Welcome to ACP, the number 1 film and television podcast to listen to in S.A. according to Feedspot.com, and this week do we have news for you! Coming soon; not just a brand new totally South African action series, but hopefully the start of a whole new hig-impact, African rooted universe. Marvel, you have been warned! This week Gino had the chance to chat to series creator Waleed Al-Yamani, alongside lead actor Richard Gau to talk all things Martyrs.  The mini-series follows the lives of a detective partnership between Rian, a gut-driven rebel, and Lupita, a disciplined military orphan. The pair discover the body of a woman doused with a mysterious drug. This discovery leads them into an underground world, where they uncover a series of dark secrets.  The series is a collaboration between Waleed, and Richard's People's Republic of Entertainment, and will launch on YouTube on June 27. Save the date - it's gonna be hot! 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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Imagine waking up to find your life savings are gone forever. Well, that's what happened to thousands of people in 2018, many of them from rural and low-income communities. who had deposited or invested with VBS Mutual Bank, when it was exposed as the epicentre of a massive fraud and corruption scandal.  In today's ACP, Gino talks, via Zoom, to local documentary filmmaker Dowelani Nenzhelele, whose own family lost hundreds of thousands of rands, about, not only the personal cost, but the pain and suffering visited on the victims, many who still have seen nothing of their missing money. Dowelani talks about how working alongside Idea Candy helped him bring the whole sorry story to the screen. The People vs VBS follows the money to show how a small mutual bank became entangled with multinational auditors, political parties, a royal household and a former president. You can stream The People vs VBS on DStv Stream and don't forget to check out Backpack Films to find out what Dowelani and the next generation of film makers are up to. 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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026

Variations on a Theme, a South African drama by directors Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar,  just won the coveted Tiger Award for best competition film at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in The Netherlands, and has now gone on to win the Best African Film award at the Joburg Film Festival 2026 Gala Awards. So, obvs, we needed to talk to them. Gino got hold of them via Zoom to get some insight into the "whats?" and "whys?" behind the film.  It tells the story of an elderly goat herder, Hettie, who falls victim to a scam promising long-overdue reparations for her father’s WWII service. As she waits for money that will never come, the disruptions of her 80th birthday threaten to strip away the last of her independence.  Devon adds, “Although the film is fictional, it's based on the real experiences of people who have historically borne the brunt of a lot of injustices and continue to fall victim to these scams". The Tiger Competition jury said: “Possessing a deep poetic language, we found this to be a thoughtful and moving portrait of a community living under the spectre of colonial legacies and familial bonds in this world and the next.” You can catch Variations on a Theme at Ster-Kinekor V&A Nouveau in Cape Town or at Rosebank Nouveau in Johannesburg.  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: instagram.com/africancouchpotato x.com/africancouchpot [email protected] WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews  YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube  https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato  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 CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7 © SANTE MEDIA 2026