Grassroots | |
---|---|
Genre | Teen drama |
Created by | Khayelihle Dom Gumede Tony Miyambo Brian van Niekerk Asher Sholtz |
Starring | |
Country of origin | South Africa |
Original languages | |
Production | |
Producers | CMP Helen Smit |
Running time | 22-24 minutes Multichoice |
Release | |
Original network | One Magic Showmax |
Original release | 19 July – 11 October 2019 |
Grassroots is a South African teen drama series created and produced by Clive Morris Productions. It is an M-Net original production for Multichoice and DStv's One Magic and is a co-production with Naspers subscription video-on-demand service Showmax. The drama tells a coming-of-age story of two boys from the rural Eastern Cape who relocate to a boarding school in Johannesburg to follow their dreams of being rugby stars. [1]
The drama tells the story of Monwabisi and Asanda, two boys from Butterworth whose families had a close business relationship and friendship. The tragic death of Monwabisi's father in the presence of Asanda's father on a construction site tears the families apart as suspicions of foul play come to surface.
In their late teens, Asanda is a rugby obsessed boy who has disappointed the traditionalist and community leader by turning his back on the initiation ceremony to play a match for his school team. In contrast, Monwabisi has completed the initiation ceremony, however he feels conflicted without his father by his side to guide him and as a result he struggles to become the man he must be. The two boys must put their differences aside to face their common foes. [2]
According to the writers, the story is richly woven with the Xhosa traditions and explores the ageless themes of manhood. The story takes a modern-day approach on traditional customs and expectations. [3]
Trick or Treat is a 1952 animated short film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by RKO Radio Pictures. The cartoon, which takes place on Halloween night, follows a series of pranks between Donald Duck and his nephews with Witch Hazel. The film was directed by Jack Hannah and features the voices of Clarence Nash as Donald and his nephews, and June Foray as Hazel.
Courtney Bernard Vance is an American actor. He started his career on stage before moving to film and television. And has received various accolades, including a Tony Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as nominations for a Grammy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award.
Matthew Staton Bomer is an American actor. He is the recipient of accolades such as a Golden Globe Award, a Critics' Choice Television Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
M-Net is a South African pay television channel established by Naspers in 1986. The channel broadcasts both local and international programming, including general entertainment, children's series, sport and movies. While the TV signal is generally encrypted, M-Net showed some programmes 'free to air' in its "Open Time" slot between 5 p.m. and 7 pm, until the slot closed on 1 April 2007.
Timothy Peter Pigott-Smith, was an English film and television actor and author. He was best known for his leading role as Ronald Merrick in the television drama series The Jewel in the Crown, for which he won the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor in 1985. Other noted TV roles included roles in The Chief, Midsomer Murders, The Vice, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, King Charles III and two Doctor Who stories. Pigott-Smith appeared in many notable films including: Clash of the Titans (1981), Gangs of New York (2002), Johnny English (2003), Alexander (2004), V for Vendetta (2005), Quantum of Solace (2008), Red 2 (2013) and Jupiter Ascending (2015).
Peter Facinelli is an American actor and film and television producer. He starred as Donovan "Van" Ray on the Fox series Fastlane from 2002 to 2003. He played Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the film adaptations of the Twilight novel series, and is also known for his role as Mike Dexter in the 1998 film Can't Hardly Wait. Facinelli was a regular on the Showtime comedy-drama series Nurse Jackie, portraying the role of Dr. Fitch "Coop" Cooper. He portrayed Maxwell Lord on the first season of the TV series Supergirl.
Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski, known professionally as Paul Wesley, is an American actor, director and producer. He is known for starring as Stefan Salvatore on the supernatural drama series The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017) as well as his role as James T. Kirk in the Paramount+ original series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Forever Strong is a 2008 American sports drama film directed by Ryan Little, written by David Pliler and released on September 26, 2008. The film stars Sean Faris, Gary Cole, Neal McDonough, Sean Astin, Penn Badgley and Arielle Kebbel. The film is about a troubled rugby union player who must play against the team his father coaches at the national championships. Forever Strong is based on a compilation of individual true stories.
Spring Awakening is a coming-of-age rock musical with music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. It is based on the 1891 German play Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind. Set in late 19th-century Germany, the musical tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer tumult of adolescent sexuality. In the musical, alternative rock is employed as part of the folk-infused rock score.
Atandwa Kani is a South African actor. He is the son of actor John Kani.
Africa Magic is a collection of Pay TV entertainment channels that focus on African programming, most popularly Nigerian series and movies. Africa Magic, which started off as single channel of the same name, is a brand owned by M-Net and now comprises seven channels.
Somizi Buyani Mhlongo is a South African media personality, television presenter, actor and choreographer. In 1992, he appeared on the musical and political film, Sarafina! which gained him prominence. Mhlongo became lead choreographer for numerous shows and events, including the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kunle Remi, birth name Oyekunle Opeyemi Oluwaremi(Listen) is a Nigerian actor, producer, filmmaker, content creator, host, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and model. He has appeared in Falling, Family Forever, Tinsel, and Aníkúlápó He won the 7th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010. While studying at the New York Film Academy, he was simultaneously hosting an Internet TV Channel, Celebville 360. As a successful venture, he made an appearance at the Academy Awards nomination event in Beverly Hills, his first significant hosting appearance. By 2012, he was already cast in his first movie Heavy Beauty produced by Grace Edwin Okon and directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare. Though he graduated in 2014, he returned and studied filmmaking and directing, which he graduated from in 2015.
Mzansi Magic is a South African digital satellite and general entertainment channel created by Multichoice and run by M-Net's local interest division, and is broadcast on DStv.
1Magic is a subscription-based digital satellite television general entertainment channel created by M-Net and MultiChoice for DStv. It is one of the resultant channels from the M-Net series channel created in 2000.
Gomora is a South African television drama series produced by Seriti Films. The series is filmed in the Alexandra township, hence the name of the series. Gomora is a story about inequality. It's about the rich and the poor, how fine the line between the two can be. It is an M-Net original production commissioned for M-Net's local interest channel Mzansi Magic. The drama series replaced Isthembiso, which had not been renewed for a fourth season. The series tells a story of two families in two different lifestyles and how their lives intertwine by a tragedy..
Riona (Riy-OW-Naa) is an Africa Magic original period drama set in a 12th Century Itsekiri kingdom. It was directed by James Omokwe. It stars Big Brother Naija season 1 housemate, Frank Konwea, Elvina Ibru, Najite Dede and Mimi Chaka. It premiered on September 28, 2020. It airs on DStv channel 151 and streams on Showmax.
Enakhe is an Africa Magic original crime drama set in modern-day Benin City. It was directed by Victor Sanchez Aghahowa and features Alex Usifo, Ivie Okujaye, Philip Asaya, Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun and Lota Chukwu. It premiered on September 28, 2020 and airs on Africa Magic Showcase, DStv channel 151. It also streams on Showmax, at the same time as the broadcast on Africa Magic.
Bheki Sibiya, is a South African actor, producer, director, and cinematographer. He is best known for the roles in the television serials such as Muvhango, eHostela and Durban Gen.
Siyabonga Ricky Mayola is a South African actor and model. He is best known for his roles in the series Amaza, Projek Dina, Die Spreeus and Sara se Geheim.