"While the Afrikaans DVD market is still quite niched, compared to the mainstream market, there's definitely a need for these products and room for growth. We're seeing good quality films coming through from a pool of talented filmmakers and significant improvements in this quality year on year. The Afrikaans community actively supports the films, which are indigenous to South Africa, so why not have a DVD brand that they can identify with too?" says Thobashan Govindarajulu, DVD marketing manager for Ster-Kinekor Entertainment.
Afrikaans films have certainly found a place in the local market, with attendances for the theatrical releases numbering anything from 20 000 to 50 000 people. Govindarajulu adds that this support is set to grow even further as more quality Afrikaans films make their way to the big screen.
It will launch with six titles on DVD, including Poena is Koning, Vaatjie Sien Sy Gat, Hond Se Dinges, Karate Kallie, Bakgat and Orkney Snork Nie. The films are all popular, recent releases with a variety of celebrated directors and cast members behind them. Fans can also enjoy Orkney Snork Nie Series - season 2, and the ever favourite Lipstiek Dipstiek on DVD. The titles will be available from all leading retail stores across the country from end March 2010.
"We'd like to look at releasing between five and eight Ster-Kinekor Flieke titles annually, but this will obviously depend on the number and quality of movies coming through. The Afrikaans community is a loyal market, so we expect a positive response to the new brand," he concludes.
