Written by Kay Magaela, Between 10and5
South African cinema is having a moment. Our stories are no longer confined to the peripheries, they’re stepping boldly into the global spotlight, carrying with them the textures of our languages, the rhythms of our cities, and the soul of our people.
From intimate dramas shot in black and white to sweeping documentaries that confront the realities of our planet, the films debuting between late 2024 and 2025 capture a country in motion: reflective, resilient, and endlessly creative.
This next wave of cinema isn’t just entertainment; it’s a reminder of who we are and who we’re becoming. Here are 10 South African films that prove our storytelling has no borders.
The Heart Is a Muscle
Imran Hamdulay’s debut feature grips the heart with raw urgency. Set in the Cape Flats, it follows a father whose brief panic at losing his son spirals into a journey through trauma, masculinity, and redemption. Visceral and tender, it’s a story that echoes far beyond its setting.
Hen
Silence speaks volumes in Nico Scheepers’ Hen. Told in stark black and white, with its first 18 minutes wordless, the film is a meditation on isolation, secrets, and the intimacy of family ties. It’s an experiment in form that places emotion at the forefront.
Dear Sis Dolly
What happens when the nation’s favourite agony aunt begins to unravel herself? Produced by Tshepiso and Joel Chikapa-Phiri, this comedy-drama reimagines the life of Drum Magazine’s iconic columnist, as she navigates vulnerability and identity in the public eye.
Meet the Khumalos
South African families, rivalries, and romances take centre stage in Jayan Moodley’s Netflix rom-com. Meet the Khumalos is lighthearted, heartfelt, and deeply relatable, proof that our stories belong on the global stage.
The much-anticipated sequel to the beloved 2012 film, Semi-Soeter brings back the laughs, the charm, and the chaos of family love. A rom-com classic reimagined for today’s audiences.
Jungle Beat 2: The Past
Local animation continues to shine with this colourful sequel to Jungle Beat: The Movie. Bursting with humour and imagination, it’s a celebration of creativity that places South Africa firmly in the animation spotlight.
Bobo
Maurice Muendo’s debut is already making waves. Premiering at the Joburg Film Festival before streaming on Showmax, Bobo signals the rise of a new generation of filmmakers, bold, unflinching, and ready to tell stories that reflect the complexity of modern South Africa.
Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey
From Pippa Ehrlich, the Oscar-winning director of My Octopus Teacher, comes a story that balances heartbreak and hope. Following the rehabilitation of a trafficked baby pangolin, this Netflix original positions South Africa at the centre of the global conversation on conservation.
Festival Gems & Shorts
The heartbeat of our industry also lies in the indie spaces: shorts like The Last Ranger, Nier, Na, and The Showerhead have sparked critical praise, proving that even small stories can carry massive weight.
- The Last Ranger – Festival screenings in 2025.
- Nier, Na – Festival screenings 2025–2026.
- The Showerhead – Festival screenings late 2025
A Cinema Without Borders
What makes this slate so exciting isn’t just the artistry, it’s the audacity. These films are unapologetically South African, yet universal in their reach. They remind us that our cinemas aren’t just venues for escapism; they’re spaces for memory, imagination, and cultural reckoning.
As 2025 unfolds and 2026 looms, one thing is certain: South African cinema isn’t waiting for the world to notice, it’s stepping forward, boldly, on its own terms.
