kykNET Silwerskerm Festival previews major new local and international productions

By Venecia Valentine

The 14th kykNET Silwerskerm Festival will showcase an exciting slate of television premieres, including the pilot episode of the international drama Invisible, the second season of the acclaimed South African series Spinners, and three new Afrikaans documentary series for kykNET.

Based on Deon Meyer’s bestselling novel Blood Safari, Invisible is an international co-production between MultiChoice, Canal+ and ITV Studios. Directed by Jozua Malherbe, the thriller follows London-based public relations consultant Emma le Roux, who returns to South Africa after receiving a desperate call from her brother, who disappeared decades earlier. As she investigates, Emma is drawn into a dangerous web of poaching, political corruption and long-buried secrets in the Lowveld. The series stars Abbie Cornish, Dougray Scott, Tim Theron, Tumisho Masha, Kim Engelbrecht, Frank Rautenbach, Chi Mende and Siv Ngesi. The pilot screens at the festival on 19 August before premiering on M-Net on 14 October.

Festival audiences will also get an exclusive first look at Spinners Season 2. Produced by StudioCanal and MultiChoice, the series sees the Underdogs enjoying success on Johannesburg’s spinning circuit, but Ethan’s past catches up with him when he is forced into one final job and faces a powerful Soweto crime family. Directed by Jaco Bouwer, the cast includes Cantona James, Braedon Buys, Dillon Windvogel, Nahum Hughes, Chelsea Thomas, Clementine Mosimane, Aphiwe Mkefe, Luyanda Zwane and Mondli Makhoba. The new season premieres on Mzansi Magic on 25 October.

Three compelling documentary series will also debut at the festival. Die Bom, directed by Pieter Steyn, examines South Africa’s unique history as the only country to build and voluntarily dismantle its nuclear weapons programme. The series also explores the country’s nuclear energy sector, waste storage and unanswered questions surrounding its nuclear legacy.

Meer as warm gloede, directed by Hanneke Schutte, explores menopause through actress Antoinette Louw’s personal journey and candid conversations with South African women and medical experts. The series tackles misconceptions while offering practical guidance and insight into this important life transition.

Produced by IdeaCandy and directed by Janina Oberholzer, Tweespalt investigates the enduring rivalry between Springbok and All Blacks supporters in South Africa. Through interviews with former players, journalists and fans, it explores how history, politics and identity have shaped one of rugby’s most complex divides.

The kykNET Silwerskerm Festival takes place in Camps Bay, Cape Town, from 19 to 22 August, with tickets available through Quicket.