South African film Shut Up! Men Are Talking is set to make its television debut after Movie Room (DStv Channel 113) acquired the exclusive television premiere rights to the locally produced feature film.
The announcement was made at the film’s launch at Delos Lounge in Morningside on Tuesday afternoon.
Written, directed and self-funded by Chris Q. Radebe, the film first built its audience through an independent YouTube release.
According to Radebe, the film attracted 40 000 viewers on its premiere day and went on to reach 10 million YouTube views within its first month.
The film will now make the move from the digital space to national television, premiering on Movie Room on Monday, August 31, at 8pm.
The journey has highlighted the changing opportunities available to independent South African filmmakers, with digital platforms providing a pathway to audiences and, potentially, traditional broadcasters.
The film features well-known actors including Jo-Anne Reyneke, Wiseman Mncube, Thulani Mtsweni, Zekhethelo Zondi and Lungelo Mpangase, while also having strong creative ties to KwaZulu-Natal.
For Movie Room, the acquisition marks a significant milestone as it is the channel’s first acquisition of a South African-produced feature film.
Movie Room Chief Content Officer Pulane Tshabalala said the channel was looking to explore more South African films and opportunities to work with independent local filmmakers.
“South Africa has a wealth of independent filmmaking talent and stories that deserve wider audiences. This acquisition is an important first for Movie Room and the beginning of our journey into South African feature films,” she said.
The television premiere will also bring Movie Room’s Stories That Are For Her Women’s Month campaign to a close.
Shut Up! Men Are Talking explores relationships, family and gender dynamics, offering audiences a locally produced story that has already demonstrated its ability to connect with viewers online.
