EXCLUSIVE: MHz Choice will show acclaimed South African crime drama Cousins in North America. The streaming service will launch the Afrikaans-language series in August.
The drama is based on the true story of two 12-year-old female cousins, Issie Fourie and Petro Nel, who were kidnapped from a sleepy town in South Africa’s Free State in the 1960s. The girls were subsequently murdered. André, one of the girls’ brothers, led the fight for justice, a battle that took nearly two decades.
In South Africa, the nine-episode limited series premiered on kykNet, an Afrikaans-language channel that is part of Canal+-owned pay-TV provider MultiChoice. It received glowing reviews on home turf and was nominated for Best Afrikaans TV Series at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa.
“Cousins is a haunting and evocative period crime drama and a powerful story of loss and justice that transcends geography,” said Lance Schwulst, EVP, Content Strategy, MHz Choice. “We’re incredibly proud to introduce this moving, cinematic series to U.S. audiences.”
Nomsa Philiso, Director Content, General Entertainment – English and Portuguese content, MultiChoice, added: “MHz Choice has a strong track record of championing exceptional international storytelling, and we’re thrilled that Cousins will join their lineup. As a Canal+ company, we remain committed to bringing distinctive African stories to global viewers, and this partnership marks another meaningful step in that journey.”
Kino Lorber’s MHz Choice is regular buyer of premium non-English-language drama. Several of the team were on the ground this week at drama festival Series Mania, scouting for buzzy international shows.
Cousins was written by Saartjie Botha (Poppie Nongena) and Philip Rademeyer (In Die Verloop Van) and directed by Jaco Bouwer (Spinners). The series is produced by Wolflight Films, with Roelof Storm (Koek) serving as executive producer.
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