Cinema

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially rewritten South African cinema history, delivering the biggest opening weekend the country has ever seen with a staggering R44 million at the local box office. This monumental debut wasn’t just a local phenomenon—globally, the film swung in an incredible $932 million to secure the second-largest worldwide debut of all time, edging out major blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame in North America.

According to film critic Leon van Nierop, this record-breaking turnout signals a massive shift in audience behaviour, showing that South Africans are tired of switching between streaming channels and are eager to return to the big screen. He points to the genuine chemistry between leads Tom Holland and Zendaya, along with a relatable script that avoids the usual superhero clichés, as major reasons why local audiences have embraced the film so passionately.

The success of Brand New Day is being celebrated as a milestone for the country’s cinema industry, proving that the theatrical experience cannot be replicated at home, no matter how large the TV screen is. With Sony Pictures South Africa confirming these historic numbers, local cinema chains are enjoying a significant resurgence in foot traffic, proving that the magic of the movies is alive and well in SA.

The highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 local romcom hit, Seriously Single Too, has officially arrived on Netflix, bringing back the beloved duo of Dineo and Noni. Reprising her role as Dineo is the talented Fulu Modibedi, who returns alongside Tumi Morake as Noni, six years after the original film became a streaming phenomenon.

This time, the story moves the chaos from Joburg to Cape Town as Dineo finds herself tangled up in the stressful task of organising a bridal shower for her best friend Noni. The scenic coastal backdrop adds a fresh dynamic to the beloved characters, as the besties face their biggest fear when Noni’s boyfriend spontaneously proposes, leading to a series of hilarious and heartfelt complications.

Fulu Modibedi shared that returning to comedy felt like the right time, allowing her to bring a more mature perspective to the character while still having fun on set with the rest of the cast. Fans of the original film can expect the same sharp writing and hilarious mishaps that made the first movie a hit, along with a few new faces and an impromptu karaoke scene that the cast had a blast filming.

South Africa’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards, Variations on a Theme, has caught the attention of international film circles for a truly unique reason: it was reportedly written entirely using Microsoft Excel. The film, co-written and co-directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, has been selected to represent the country in the Best International Feature Film category.

Set in the stark landscapes of the Northern Cape, the film tells the story of Ouma Hettie, an octogenarian goat herder who falls victim to a scam promising reparation for her father’s unpaid service during World War II. This poignant narrative has already won the prestigious Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and recently screened at the 70th BFI London Film Festival.

The film’s success highlights the rising global profile of South African cinema, with critics praising its poetic and distinctive visual style that infuses playfulness into an insightful study of a woman’s resilience. Local filmmakers are rallying behind the project as it prepares for the gruelling Oscar campaign trail, shining a spotlight on the unique stories and rhythms of South African life.

Movie nights in Cape Town’s northern suburbs have officially been upgraded. The revamped Ster-Kinekor Tyger Valley complex has reopened its doors to the public after an extensive renovation, introducing four distinct cinema and entertainment experiences under one roof. The upgrade goes well beyond a fresh coat of paint, aiming to give audiences more ways to enjoy their time at the venue, whether it’s a family outing or a date night.

At the centre of the makeover is APEX Cinema, a new premium large-format experience featuring a massive wraparound display, 4K laser projection, and a powerful 16.1-channel sound system designed to make every screening feel bigger and more immersive. For those who prefer comfort, two upgraded auditoriums have reopened as Cine Prestige theatres, offering what Ster-Kinekor dubs the “business class” of cinema, complete with single and double red leather reclining seats and in-seat service.

Families also have a reason to visit, with Tyger Valley gaining a colourful Kids’ Cinema concept featuring beanbag seating and a dedicated foyer with activity tables. Perhaps the biggest talking point for gaming enthusiasts is SKX-PERIENCE, billed as Africa’s first free-roam virtual reality arena located within a cinema complex, marking a positive step forward for physical cinema experiences in the Western Cape.

Africa’s top storytellers recently gathered in Durban for the 2026 Durban FilmMart, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and changemakers for four days of bold ideas and fearless creativity. The event served as a vital networking hub for local directors, producers, and writers, featuring critical industry conversations about the future of African cinema.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of Reel Balance, a new initiative designed to champion equal gender representation at African film festivals. Additionally, MTN used the platform to launch its new streaming service, MTN One TV, which teamed up with the FilmMart to find compelling film and TV projects aimed at mobile-first and mass-market audiences.

The event wrapped up with an awards ceremony celebrating the next generation of African filmmaking talent, leaving attendees with new partnerships and a renewed sense of purpose for telling authentic African stories. With a focus on bold, commercially viable projects, the Durban FilmMart continues to prove that African stories can thrive in an evolving global film market.

The iconic video game franchise returns to the big screen this week with Street Fighter, bringing a new generation of fighters into a high-stakes martial arts tournament. Directed by Japanese-American filmmaker Kitao Sakurai, the action-packed reboot features a massive, star-studded cast including Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, 50 Cent, and Jason Momoa, ready to deliver a cinematic KO in IMAX, 4DX, and D-BOX formats.

Also new in cinemas is Whalefall, a terrifying survival thriller based on Daniel Kraus’s acclaimed novel. The film follows a young diver who is swallowed by a giant whale and has only 60 minutes of oxygen to escape, with his father’s lessons becoming his only chance of survival. Directed by Brian Duffield, the claustrophobic nightmare stars Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin, and Elisabeth Shue.

Both films offer completely different theatrical experiences—one a high-octane action spectacle and the other a tense battle for survival against impossible odds. Local cinema chains expect strong attendance for both over the weekend, giving South African moviegoers a perfect excuse to head back to the big screen for a double dose of blockbuster entertainment.