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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS; M-NET & M-NET MOVIES

 

 


 

*Please Note: This line-up is subject to change*

 


 

(Above: Hot Pick of the Month: The Last of Us S2)

  

Sunday Night Movies

 

April 6, Sunday at 20h05

Venom: The Last Dance | Science Fiction

Tom Hardy reunites with the symbiote in this thrilling third instalment. Eddie and Venom are on the run, hunted by both their worlds, forcing them into a devastating decision.

 

April 13, Sunday at 20h05

After April Math | Action

Dylan Sprouse stars in this action thriller. A returning war veteran with PTSD gets trapped with his teenage sister in a hostage situation by ex-military revolutionists.

 

April 20, Sunday at 20h05

The Garfield Movie | Family Comedy

The Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! An unexpected reunion with his long-lost father — scruffy street cat Vic.

 

April 27, Sunday at 20h05

5 LBS of Pressure | Thriller/Romance

Luke Evans stars in this thrilling drama. Adam searches for redemption as he returns to his home to put to rest his demons while the brother of the man he killed seeks revenge.

 

Friday Night Movies

 

April 4, Friday at 21h00

The Bike Riders | Crime/Thriller

This compelling and star-studded film, inspired by a photo book by Danny Lyon, follows the rise and transformation of a Chicago-based biker gang into a dangerous gang in the 1960s.

 

April 11, Friday at 21h00

Never Let Go | Horror

Halle Berry drives this mysterious horror. After an evil seems to have taken over the world, a family's only protection is their house and protective bond.

 

April 18, Friday at 21:00

Widow Clicquot | Drama

Based on the New York Times Best-Selling biography, this extraordinary period drama tells the story of Madame Clicquot, the head of the Veuve Clicquot champagne family.

 

April 25, Friday at 21h00

Wicked Little Letters | Comedy/Mystery

A witty period dramedy. A rowdy Irish migrant is accused of sending letters full of hilarious profanities to the people of Littlehampton. Suspicious, the town's women investigate.

 

 

Saturday Afternoon Movies

 

April 5, Saturday at 15h50

Ozi: Voice of The Forest | Animation | Family Adventure

This is the story of Ozi, an orphan orangutan who uses her influencer skills to save her forest and home from deforestation. This is a movie full of hope, encouraging a new generation to speak out and use their voices to protect our precious world.

 


MOVIE OF THE MONTH

April 12, Saturday, at 15h50

The Wild Robot| Animation | Family Adventure

This epic 3x Oscar nominee (Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Sound) adventure movie chronicles the journey of Rozzum unit 7134, affectionately known as "Roz," a robot who finds itself shipwrecked on a deserted island. As Roz navigates the harsh environment, it learns to adapt and gradually forms bonds with the island's wildlife, ultimately becoming the adoptive parent of a young, orphaned gosling.

 

April 5, Saturday at 15h50

Transformers One | Animation | Action

The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.

 

April 5, Saturday at 15h50

Panda Bear in Africa | Animation | Family Comedy

A young, fun, adventurous Panda travels from China to Africa to rescue his best friend, Jielong the Dragon, who has been kidnapped. On his journey he discovers a strange but amazing new world of mountains, deserts, and jungles, while facing frightening hippos, suspicious hyenas and wise gorillas.

 

 

Series Premieres

April 6, Sunday at 18h00

The America’s | Nature Docuseries

A mesmerising nature docuseries narrated by Tom Hanks and scored by Hans Zimmer. In the premiere episode, The Wild West, where coyotes face a snowbound Yellowstone, rattlesnakes emerge in the hundreds, woodpeckers compete to store food, and cranes gather in vast numbers on their age-old migration.

 

April 6, Sunday at 18h00

Survivor Australia | S12 | Reality | Mon-Fri

Four years after the Brains won, Brains versus Brawn battled it out again. This time, it's not the Australian outback; the rematch will take place in Samoa.

 

April 10, Thursday at 22h00

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy | Docuseries

This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, offering insight into his childhood, meteoric rise to a music mogul, and arrest.

 

April 12, Saturday at 19h00

Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration | Music Special Event

Experience the magic of Tuscany's natural amphitheatre as it comes alive with the enchanting melodies of world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. Celebrating his 30th anniversary, Bocelli hosts a spectacular three-day concert in his hometown at the Teatro del Silenzio (Theatre of Silence). This event features unforgettable performances from Bocelli's extensive and beloved repertoire, along with captivating duets with global superstars like Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, Will Smith, Russell Crowe, Brian May, Lang Lang, Nadine Sierra, and more.

 

 

HOT PICK

(see pic above)

 

April 14, Monday, at 21h00

The Last of Us S2 - Express from the US. | Post-Apocalyptic Drama | Express from the US at 04h00.

Pedro Pascal returns for the second season of this video game-inspired zombie apocalypse. Set five years later, Ellie and Joel are drawn into conflict with each other and a world that is even more dangerous and unpredictable.

 

April 16, Wednesday at 22h00

Mary & George | Historical Psychodrama

A gripping premiere. Mary Villiers develops a cunning plan to transform her family's fortunes forever, but first, she must convince her beautiful but rebellious son to rise and claim his destiny.

 

At 23h00

Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty | Sport Drama Series

Adam McKay (Succession) produces this captivating and controversial HBO series based on the 80's Los Angeles Lakers becoming the most successful basketball team, and their legacy on and off the court.

 

April 17, Thursday at 22h00

Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed | Docuseries

A connection between Jose Menendez and Edgardo Díaz allows Roy Rosselló to tell his Menudo story. The former Menudo member could be the key to changing how the public views the brothers' case while crusading for his justice.

 

April 19, Saturday at 19h00

Britain’s Got Talent | S18 | Reality Talent Competition

Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli are joined by special guest judge KSI as the first set of a new group of talented hopefuls take to the stage.

 

April 30, Wednesday at 19h00

NCIS | S22 | Procedural Drama

An action-packed season premiere. NCIS searches for a missing undercover agent amid an active hostage situation.

 

 

Series Finales You Don’t Want to Miss

 

April 1 & 5, Tuesday at 21h00

Extreme Makeover Home Edition | S11 | Reality

A two-part season finale. Part-one kicks off with Clea and Joanna designing a brand-new Wellness Centre and family residences to serve as a haven. Part-two wraps up with the grand opening of the Wellness Centre at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Gilbert, AZ.

 

April 12, Saturday at 18h30

The Neighborhood | S6 | Sitcom

It's a roller coaster of emotions in this finale. The whole crew heads out to see Toni Braxton live in concert, but just as the show begins, Courtney's water breaks.

 

April 26, Saturday at 18h30

Extended Family | Sitcom

A comical chaos-filled finale. Hoping they are compatible; Julia and Trey ask Jim to give them pre-marital counselling.

 

April 28, Monday at 22h00

The Industry | S3 | Drama

A riveting season finale. As a new era dawns at Pierpoint, Yasmin and Robert pay a fated visit to the countryside and Harper comes to a career crossroads.

 

 

M-Net Movies 1-4 Top 10

MM1 Top 10:

·         Despicable Me 4

·         You Can’t Run Forever

·         A Quiet Place A: Day One

·         Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

·         Dune: Part 2

·         Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

·         The Silent Hour

·         Wonka

·         Bad Boys: Ride Or Die

·         Aftermath

·          

MM2 Top 10:

  • The Equalizer 3
  • Plane
  • The Beekeeper
  • Kandahar
  • Retribution
  • The Ice Road
  • Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
  • Assassin
  • Angel Has Fallen
  • John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum

 

 

MM3 Top 10:

  • Cash Out
  • Cradle 2 The Grave
  • Set It Off
  • Escape Plan 3
  • Honest Thief
  • High Heat
  • Safe House
  • The Mummy
  • Mile 22
  • The Great Wall

 

 

MM4 Top 10:

·         Ride Along

·         Ride Along 2

·         The Fast and the Furious

·         Spider-Man 3

·         Men In Black

·         Hancock

·         Madagascar

·         Penguins Of Madagascar

·         Hotel Transylvania 2

·         Gladiator

 

Monday, March 31, 2025

BROTHERS IN ARMS

 

Rhumbelow Theatre will present Brothers In Arms - The Music of Dire Straits - performed by Barry Thomson & The Reals - Dawn Selby, Robz Millar, Mali Sewell, Barry Thomson and Shaun Dragt. Guest Saxophonist – Kirsty van der Linde

Performances take place on April 5 at 19h30 and April 6 at 14h00. The venue opens 90 minutes before the show.

Dire Straits was a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar) and his younger brother David Knopfler. Their sound was influenced by a variety of musical styles including jazz, folk and blues, and contrasted with the prominence of punk rock during their early years. Their more conventional sound appealed to modern audiences weary of the overproduced stadium rock of the 1970s.

Dire Straits' fifth album Brothers in Arms, released in May 1985 was their highest-selling studio album with sales of over 30 million. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first compact disc to sell a million copies, helping to popularize the CD format.

It was one of the first albums recorded on digital equipment and the title track is reported to be the world's first CD single. In August 1986, the song which launched MTV Europe was another Knopfler hit Money for Nothing and featured Sting in a cameo vocal role. Dire Straits have sold between 100 million and 120 million records worldwide, including 51.4 million certified units, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

This show features a selection of their hit songs including, Brothers in Arms, Walk of Life, So Far Away, Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Your Latest Trick, Tunnel of Love, Private Investigations and Money for Nothing.

Paying tribute to the music of Mark Knopfler and his band Dire Straits is ‘Barry Thomson and The Reals’, comprising front man and guitar maestro Barry Thomson (lead guitar and vocals), Dawn Selby (keyboards and vocals), Mali Sewell (drums), Robz Millar (bass guitar) and Shaun Dragt (guitar and vocals). We have a special guest, saxophonist Kirsty van der Linde who features in three songs.

Tickets R200 booked on email through roland@stansell.co.za or Webtickets. Booking is essential.

Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

Limited secure parking available

For more information contact Cell 0824998636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

Rhumbelow Theatre is located at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban.

SPHA MDLALOSE SINGS INDLELEYEKHAYA LIVE IN DURBAN

 

Spha Mdlalose is taking the music home!

The Durban-born artist is gearing up for an electric performance at the University of KZN’s Jazz Centre on April 9.

This will be the first time the artist performs the album with a full band in her home city; a place that Mdlalose says inspired the themes and stories of the debut offering. Ironically too, the album’s title Idleleyekhaya translates to “The way home”.

Indle’eyekhaya which was released in 2019 to much acclaim earned Mdlalose three SAMA (South African Music Awards) nominations and cemented her place in the South African music industry.

The album itself is a soul-stirring fusion of jazz, gospel, and soul, deeply rooted in her South African heritage and eclectic upbringing.

Singing primarily in isiXhosa and her native language of isiZulu, Mdlalose crafts a deeply personal and emotionally rich journey that transcends language- speaking straight to the heart. It is both a tribute to her influences and a reflection on home, family, and identity—most poignantly expressed in D 103, a heartfelt homage to her late grandfather. Supported by an ensemble of top South African musicians, the music moves with an undeniable groove and depth, proving that true artistry knows no borders and that music truly has the power to heal.

Indlel’eyekhaya isn’t just an album—it’s an experience that speaks to the soul. In a world of singers, Mdlalose is a "singer's singer", effortlessly breathing life into every lyric and able to use her instrument to convey emotion, effortlessly. Her voice is distinct and clear; boasting a mezzo soprano range that is captivating and beautiful. She is simply a singer you have to see live, a singer you have to experience. Audiences can expect to be transported, healed and deeply moved by this presentation.

Spha Mdlalose will perform at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on April 9, 2025.

Doors open at 17h00, Music starts at 17h30

Tickets R130 (R95 for pensioners & R65 for students). Cash Tickets available at the door subject to availability. Also available on Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1564347428

The Centre is located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2

 


DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE PARTNERS WITH FESPACO

 

The Durban FilmMart Institute is pleased to have partnered with FESPACO (the Pan-African Film & TV Festival of Ouagadougou) to host a gathering of Africa’s film labs during the festival’s 29th edition.

 The festival, which remains an important meeting place for film professionals to celebrate African cinema, also featured DFMI project alumni with 11 films screening across its programme, and two projects pitching at FESPACO PRO's Yennenga Post-Production forum. It was a proud moment when alumni received awards at the Closing Ceremony held on Saturday.  (See below for award winners).

For the labs programme, 18 representatives of 14 labs gathered to discuss their work in providing professional support to filmmakers across the continent in the realisation of their films. The time together presented an opportunity for the DFMI to introduce the Future Mentors Programme, and for the group to have protected time together to gain a closer understanding of one another's process and practice, to learn from one another’s approach and to reflect and think through shared challenges.

Facilitated by Tiny Mungwe and Lauren Rosenberg who were both part of the co-creation of the Future Mentor’s Guide in 2022, the group was able to take a deep dive into the Guide, unpacking the freely available resource with representatives offering insights into mentorship from their own lab-specific experience and from the perspective of labs. This introduction opens a door for labs to adapt the Future Mentors Guide for use within their own lab context and for their lab needs. Importantly, it allows for the guide to remain responsive to the real-time needs of labs, as the feedback which emerged in response to it will be used to update the guide.

Much was shared during the three days together with four key areas of focus for labs emerging, namely: Context and Capacity, Sustainability, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Audience Development and Distribution.

The last day was spent strategising around these key focus areas, allowing for new knowledge and points of connection to emerge and be shared amongst the group.

As Africa’s leading co-production market, the DFMI is committed to African cinema and the professionals at its centre. Labs offer a vital source of ongoing professional support and expertise to projects and a crucial network that drives the continent's film industry forward.

DFMI thanks the support from DW Akademie and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for the Future Mentors Programme.

Be sure to access the Future Mentors Guide. (https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Durban-FilmMart-MentorsGuide22_07.pdf) This free to use, open resource is available in English and French and was designed to support mentors and platforms in their work.

A true celebration of the cinema of Africa and its diaspora was highlighted at the Closing Ceremony of the 29th edition of FESPACO. The ceremony took place in a full stadium with music and dance from Burkinabe and Chadian performers, awards were presented in the presence of the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

 

DFMI Alumni Win Awards at FESPACO:

The Silver Stallion of Yennenga for Best Feature Documentary

Tongo Saa - Rising Up At Night (DFM 2020)

Nelson Makengo (Director), Dada Kahindo (Producer), Rosa Spaliviero (Producer)

 

The President Thomas Sankara award for the promotion of the values of Pan-Africanism - first prize

Our Land, Our Freedom (DFM 2020)

Meena Nanji (Director/Producer), Zippy Kimundu (Director/Producer), Eliane Ferreira (Producer)

 

The President Thomas Sankara award for the promotion of the values of Pan-Africanism - second prize

Mother City (DFM 2018)

Miki Redelinghuys (Director), Pearlie Joubert (Director), Khetiwe Ngcobo (Producer)

 

FESPACO PRO Yennenga Post-Production Award

Nzonzing (DFM 2022)

Moimi Wezam (Director), Nelson Makengo (Producer), Angèle Diabang (Producer), Michael A. Dobbin (Producer)

 

For more information visit:

 

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/Durban.Filmmart.Africa

https://www.instagram.com/durbanfilmmart/

https://twitter.com/durbanfilmmart

https://www.linkedin.com/company/durban-filmmart-sa

mailto:info@durbanfilmmart.co.za

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

 

The Durban FilmMart Institute, which organises DFM 2024, receives its primary funding from the Durban Film Office and the eThekwini Municipality.

 

Sunday, March 30, 2025

JOKES & JAZZ

 


The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music proudly presents Jokes & Jazz on Tuesday April 8 at 17h30.

Jokes and Jazz is a fusion of the incredible art of Jazz music and stand-up comedy, The show has been running successfully since its launch in 2017. It is hosted by award winning comedian and UKZN alumni Kwanda Radebe.

This instalment will be headlined by Comedy Legend and GAGASI FM radio presenter Fly Motion. He will be supported by the hilarious Thami Dlamini and up and comping super star Prince K. They also Have South African Comics Choice award 'COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR 2023'' and Headliner of the year 2024 MR Robby Collins as our SURPRISE GUEST.

Doors open at 17h00, Music starts at 17h30.

Tickets R130 (R65 for students and R95 for pensioners) available at Webtickets and Pick and Pay.

CashTickets available at the door

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2


 

THULILE ZAMA AND FRIENDS RETURN TO ST. CLEMENTS

 


Thulile Zama and Friends return to St. Clements for an unforgettable evening of live music on April 4, 2025, doors open at 18h00

After a captivating debut performance at St. Clements Restaurant in December 2024, the celebrated Durban vocalist Thulile Zama is set to return for another captivating live performance.

Known for her soul-stirring vocals and seamless blend of Afro-jazz and neo-soul, Thulile Zama will take audiences on a journey filled with rich melodies, electrifying solos by the instrumentalists, and heartfelt storytelling. Accompanied by her dynamic band, she will present a carefully-curated selection of original compositions and reimagined classics that highlight her deep connection to South African and global music traditions.

A celebrated figure on the Durban music scene, Zama has earned national and international recognition for her artistry and projects. She first gained prominence as a founding member of the all-female jazz band Heels Over Head, known for its fresh take on contemporary jazz.

Her critically acclaimed work includes A Tribute to Sophiatown. At the same time, she continues to explore new musical directions with her latest band, N’den, further showcasing her depth and versatility as an artist. Over the years, she has graced stages in Germany, the Netherlands, Eswatini, Mozambique, and the United States, sharing her passion for music with audiences worldwide.

"I’m thrilled to return to St. Clements and reconnect with the incredible Durban audience. This venue holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share the music that has shaped my journey." – Thulile Zama.

Joining her on stage are some of Durban’s most accomplished musicians

Sbu Shabalala (saxophone); Senzo Mdamba (bass); Sphe Mngwengwe (piano) and Skhulile Sibisi (drums)

This intimate live performance will also offer a sneak peek into Zama’s upcoming tour, following her successful concerts in Eswatini and leading into her April tour in the Eastern Cape. The South African National Treasury’s Jobs Fund and Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) proudly support the tour as part of the Festival Enterprise Catalyst (FEC) initiative.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Thulile Zama in one of Durban’s most beloved live music venues.

Early booking is highly recommended, as space is limited!

Tickets: R100 via Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1563756010

R120 at the door (subject to availability)

Doors Open: 18h00 | Music starts: 18h30

St. Clements Restaurant is at 191 Musgrave Road, Durban.

For more information contact 031 202 2511.