issue #17: 5 films directed by south african women that you have to watch
some personal news, olympic things and more
Hi everyone,
Happy South African Women’s month!
In honour of Women’s Month and staying true to my ethos of getting more people to watch local films, I thought I’d list five of my faves that women directed.
There are plenty more that I still need to watch but these are just some of my faves:
1. Do Your Worst: dir: Samantha Nell
This comedy is centred around the friendship between Sondra (Shannon Ezra), a messy, single actress and Carla (Kate Liquorish) her married friend. It has some great comedic moments and is fun to watch. It’s available to watch on Netflix.
2. Glasshouse: dir: Kelsey Egan
This dystopian thriller is set during a time when a dementia-like toxin wipes people’s memories. A family isolate themselves in a greenhouse but their idyllic home is disrupted when a stranger joins them. This film was so aesthetically pleasing and has the type of story that sticks with you. It’s available to watch on Showmax.
3. Nommer 37: dir: Nosipho Dumiso
Perhaps one of the most popular SA films, based on Hitchcock’s Rear Window, it tells the story of Randel, a man in a wheelchair who witnesses a crime. This film isn’t always easy to watch but it’s incredibly well made and extremely realistic at points. It’s available to stream on Showmax.
4. Toorbos: dir: Rene van Rooyen
Based on the novel by Dalene Matthee, a woman who leaves the forests of Knysna to be with her husband in the town. I was enchanted by this film, the story as well as the cinematography is fantastic. It is available to stream on Showmax.
5. Umakoti Wethu: dir: Nozipho Nkelemba
A woman marries her dream man and moves with back to his hometown. However, things start getting a little problematic when his first love enters the picture again. This film honestly surprised me and told a story that felt so specific and unique. It’s available to stream on Showmax.
Some other articles I’ve written recently:
I got to speak to the (Emmy-nominated) stars of The Bear, Ebon Moss-Backrach and Lionel Boyce for News24
I reviewed the fun South African rom-com Lobola Man for News24.
AND I spoke to the lovely Melissa De Vries from the new local sitcom Mince Jou Hare for Showmax.
some personal news
Because I love you all the most, I wanted to share something big here first. I have been named one of the Chevening Scholars for 2024/2025 and received a full scholarship to do my MA in Film Studies at University College London. So I’m leaving SA in September for a year. Not much will change on this front, other than my location. But thanks to all of you who have supported me through the years, I could not have gotten this far without you.
a caryn-core movie rec
I’ve been trying to rewatch some of my old favourites to see if I was right to be so obsessed with it. So, for every newsletter I’ll give you a rec off of my ‘Caryn-Core Watchlist’ that I stand by. This week it’s:
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
I loved this film as a child, it was one of my first VHS tapes and I even had a Dalmatian-themed party for my 8th birthday. I caught the film on Disney+ the other day and was proud to say that it holds up. The animation style is classic and stunning, the story is witty and fun, I adore fashion icon Cruella De Vil and I still very much want my own Dalmatian puppy.
what you missed in the news:
Entertainment
Zac Efron is happy and healthy following his hospitalisation.
Harry and Meghan launched their new initiative, the Parents’ Network to support parents whose children have been harmed by social media.
Drake announced he will be releasing a new album with PartyNextDoor.
Kehlani’s custody battle is turning nasty with her ex claiming that she’s in a cult.
Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts were cancelled due to terror threats.
Okay, what happened with the behind-the-scenes drama of It Ends With Us?
Travis Scott was released after being arrested in Paris.
Singer Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose are now divorced.
The MTV VMA nominations are out, and our girl Tyla scored three!
Legendary local actress Connie Chiume has passed away.
Mia Le Roux has been named as Miss South Africa 2024.
Daisy Ridley revealed that she’s been diagnosed with Graves Disease.
Nelly was arrested for drug possession.
Adele is engaged to Rich Paul.
Fashion & Beauty
Sooo 30+ folks, it seems the bubble hem is back.
The hair colour at the moment is witchy brunette.
Blake Lively has introduced a new haircare line.
Talking about Blake, she’s been wearing a lot of floral. These are all her press tour looks.
All those Shein and Temu packages are about to be hit with VAT from next month.
These are the top celeb engagement ring trends of 2024.
Lifestyle
One Tiktokker is saving a 400-year-old tradition of watermen fishing. -
One of 2024’s biggest wellness trends is mindfulness retreats.
The internet is obsessed with the Australian breakdancer Raygun.
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Celeb crush of the week
In honour of the last of the Olympics last night:
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