Movie Room (DStv Channel 113) has acquired the exclusive television premiere rights to Shut Up! Men Are Talking, marking the channel’s first acquisition of a South African-produced feature film.
Written, directed and self-funded by Chris Q. Radebe, the film built a significant audience through its independent YouTube release. According to Radebe, Shut Up! Men Are Talking attracted 40,000 viewers on its premiere day and reached 10 million YouTube views within its first month.
The film will now move from digital release to national television, premiering on Monday, 31 August 2026 at 8pm.
Its journey from self-funded production to millions of online views and now television highlights an evolving route to market for independent South African filmmakers and the potential for digital audiences to open doors to traditional broadcast.
Featuring Jo-Anne Reyneke, Wiseman Mncube, Thulani Mtsweni, Zekhethelo Zondi and Lungelo Mpangase, the film also has strong creative ties to KwaZulu-Natal.
For Movie Room, the acquisition signals a new direction as the channel begins exploring more South African films and opportunities to collaborate with independent local filmmakers.
“South Africa has a wealth of independent filmmaking talent and stories that deserve wider audiences. This acquisition is an important first for Movie Room and the beginning of our journey into South African feature films.”
– Pulane Tshabalala, chief content officer, Movie Room
The premiere will close Movie Room’s Stories That Are For Her Women’s Month campaign. The film explores relationships, family and gender dynamics through a South African lens, providing a locally relevant conclusion to the month’s programming.
Broadcast details
Shut Up! Men Are Talking
Monday, 31 August 2026 | 8pm
Movie Room | DStv Channel 113
Interview opportunities: Chris Q. Radebe, selected cast members and Pulane Tshabalala, chief content officer of Movie Room.
Media Enquiries
Movie Room | Marketing & Communications - vt.krowtensmooreht@mhtiaF
+27 10 006 9876
