‘Brasse Vannie Kaap’ and ‘Nadia Beyond Bragga’ among the must-see TV shows and films
This October, there are plenty of television shows, movies and documentaries to enjoy.
From Hollywood blockbusters to local productions, here are some to look out for this month.
“Brasse Vannie Kaap”
This nostalgic feature documentary centres around the iconic 90s group of the same name who were instrumental in shaping the South African hip hop industry.
It features renowned figures from the Afrikaans entertainment world who pay tribute to Brasse Vannie Kaap’s undeniable impact.
They include David Isaacs and Oscar Petersen of Joe Barber fame as well as Karen Zoid, Kurt Darren, Francois van Coke and Valiant Swart.
The documentary also reflects on the Brasse Vannie Kaap’s remarkable journey from the Cape Flats to Pukkelpop in Belgium - a rise that was cut short by the untimely death of their frontman, Mr Fat, aka Ashley Titus, who passed away at 36 in 2007.
It is written, directed and produced by the founder of Dala Films, Lauren Scholtz, whose older sister Nadine Matthews is married to former Brasse Vannie Kaap member DJ Azuhl.
∎ “Brasse Vannie Kaap” premieres on Monday, October 7, on Showmax.
“Nadia Beyond Bragga”
Nadia Nakai is the latest South African celebrity to land her own reality show.
The 10-part series will give viewers an unprecedented look into her personal life as well as her career as a rapper, entrepreneur and TV personality.
The show will also show how the “Naaa Meaan” hitmaker navigates life without her former partner, the late South African rap icon, Kiernan “AKA” Forbes as well as handling the intense pressures of the entertainment industry.
It will also showcase her journey to elevating her career to new heights with a one-woman show, fresh music releases and lucrative brand deals.
∎ “Nadia Beyond Bragga” on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) on October 12.
“Shrinking”
Harrison Ford and Jason Segel return for the latest instalment of this renowned comedy drama. Created by Segel as well as Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, the rest of the cast includes the likes of Jessica Williams, Michael Urie and Christa Miller.
It follows a grieving therapist (Ford), who starts to break the rules by telling his clients exactly what he thinks. This includes Jimmy (Segel) who has lost his wife and wants to try a new approach to his loss.
∎ “Shrinking” season 2 premières on AppleTV+ on October 16.
“Woman of the Hour”
Hollywood star Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut in this crime thriller which is written by Ian McDonald. It is based on the life of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who in 1978, appeared on the television show “The Dating Game” in the midst of his murder spree.
The film revolves around the events of the game show and stars Kendrick as contestant Cheryl Bradshaw while Daniel Zovatto takes on the role of the infamous murder. The rest of the cast includes Nicolette Robinson, Tony Hale and Kathryn Gallagher.
∎ “Woman of the Hour” premières on Netflix on October 18.
“Like a Dragon: Yakuza”
This Japanese show is based on the “Yakuza” game series, released in 2005, which found massive fanfare amongst an adult audience. The new programme depicts the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and other individuals who live in Kamurochō.
This fictional district is modelled after the violent Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō, which acts as the backdrop of the gameplay.
Directed by Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto and starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku, it also features Japan’s modernity as well as dramatic stories of intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, which games in the past have not been able to explore.
∎ “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” premières on Amazon Prime Video on October 25.