Created in 2013 with the vision of showcasing Mzansi-made movies, Mzansi Bioskop (DStv channel 164) has evolved into a platform for unearthing and showcasing new African filmmaking talent over the course of the last 12 years.
What started as a weekly movie slot on Mzansi Magic quickly evolved into a full-blown 24-hour channel, thanks to the overwhelming response from viewers and creators alike. With its roots in giving Mzansi-made films a place of their own to shine – starting out broadcasting ‘Lokshin Bioskop’ films that had previously only found audiences in township cinemas, Mzansi Bioskop has subsequently launched careers and built an entertainment legacy that reflects the soul of the country, telling the stories of everyday South African life.
The channel is the top performer in the DStv Access market, with a loyal following across other packages, boasting consistently high viewership numbers that peak on weekends as customers tune in for a dose of escapism, entertainment and family-friendly titles.
Tebogo Matlawa, Head of Scripted Content: Middle and Mass (General Entertainment) at MultiChoice, speaks with pride about Mzansi Bioskop’s birthday milestone. “We didn’t just want to be the biggest broadcaster of locally-produced movies – we also wanted to be the biggest enabler within the South African production space,” he says. “Mzansi Bioskop was our way of saying ‘Here’s your shot, tell your story and make your mark’. Many filmmakers who took that shot have become household names in front of and behind the camera. It gives us immense pride knowing that they got their shot via Mzansi Bioskop.”
Building an industry
“The channel became a testing ground for genres, a playground for creativity and a mirror for Mzansi’s diverse realities,” says Channel Director Shirley Adonisi. “The introduction of annual themed festivals has helped to build the inventory of local movies and given local producers the opportunity to break out into sub-genres they might not previously have considered exploring. We have also had the opportunity to partner with producers in other countries, like Botswana, to shoot films there. As the channel enters its adolescence, we’re going to continue to build its scope and reach to empower even more regional filmmakers and give audiences more of what they want”.
Matlawa says the success of the channel has been driven by audience demand. “As a broadcaster, we learnt to listen to our audience because we pride ourselves on our authenticity in telling our stories. They told us what worked, what didn’t, and we kept evolving. That’s how we built a channel that feels like home. Several of the channel’s movies have surpassed the one million viewer mark, which is a testament to their quality and enduring appeal”.
A launchpad for greatness
Over the past 12 years, the channel has consistently been a career springboard for South African producers, crews and actors. Production companies like Reframed World Productions, who started on Mzansi Bioskop, went on to produce two seasons of KwaTsolo, a comedy-drama on Mzansi Magic.
The Milton Empire, the producers of one of the most loved telenovelas in Mzansi, Inimba, started on Bioskop with a movie called Bekezela in 2023. Then there is the SAFTA award-winning Leburugraphy Pictures, who won the award for their movie O Kae Molao. Kusa Films, who produced Is’ithembu SikaMsongelwa, a runaway hit mini-series which aired over the December holidays.
A decade of MultiChoice Talent Factory South Africa (MTFza) program participants have produced films for Mzansi Bioskop as part of their internships, while the channel has been able to offer training to writers, directors, editors, and crew members who have gone on to work on some of Mzansi’s biggest productions.
“We are not just celebrating the 12 years which have passed successfully – we are celebrating the future. Most importantly, Mzansi Bioskop is proof that when you give people with dreams and aspirations a platform, they will build an empire,” concludes Matlawa.
Best of local
The channel’s power continues to grow, with a series of films which showcase Mzansi’s top talent set to be broadcast in the popular Sunday 19:00 slot.
- Step Thayma (14 September) follows Dr Phawu as he falls for a woman who seems perfect until he learns she’s a single mother. Directed by Nkululeko Mkhomazi, it stars Kaelo Matebesi, Lerato Mahlasela, and Phila Madlingozi.
- The Gram Ekhaya (21 September) is about a Jo'burg influencer’s life is turned upside down after her father loses his wealth, forcing her to move to KZN. Directed by Thabiso Mavovo, with Ishmauel Songo and Nandi Nyembe.
- On 28 September, Puseletso tells the story of a 19-year-old orphan seeking justice at the church of her mother’s killer. Directed by Thomas Baloyi, starring Mapula Mafole and Mpho Molepo.
- Songezo (5 October) tells a story of a gardener who secretly joins a theatre group to honour his late father. Directed by Charlie Samson, with Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele and Amos Ketlele.
- Mashaya (12 October) is a story about a young man torn between love and appearances. Directed by Kganki Star Mphahelele, starring Reneilwe Maja and Robert Mpisi.
- On 19 October, Ditaba sees a former news anchor hijack a live broadcast in a dramatic bid for justice. Directed by Bongumenzi Shabangu, with Gontse Ntshegang and Keneliwe Matidze.
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