Entertainment

CINEMA NOUVEAU PRESENTS THE OSCAR-NOMINATED DRAMA, PHILOMENA, FOR ‘MOVIE CONNOISSUERS’ IN MARCH

Published

12 years ago

6 March 2014

Tee

The ‘Movie Connoisseurs’ event, exclusive to Cinema Nouveau, brings to those who appreciate and love the medium of film as it should be experienced – only on the big screen, an opportunity to watch a new title before its national release date.

Hosted by renowned movie critic, Ailsa Windsor, this month’s screening for ‘Movie Connoisseurs’ is the true story of Philomena, and takes place on Sunday, 16

March 2014, marking the first event for 2014. Screened at Cinema Nouveau Gateway, refreshments are served from 17:00, with the screening starting promptly at 17:30.

Philomena is an emotional story inspired by true events, tinged with both tragedy and comedy, about two very different people who join forces for a remarkable journey. They are seeking to uncover the truth behind a heartbreaking story that has remained a mystery for half a century.

Philomena Lee, an Irishwoman in her 70s, became pregnant as a teenager in 1952. Her family abandoned her for shame and sent her to a convent in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary where, along with other young girls in the same predicament, she was regarded as ‘a fallen woman.’ In compensation for the nuns taking her in and looking after her during childbirth, Philomena was made to work in the laundry there and only allowed access to her young son Anthony for an hour a day. When he was only three, Anthony was taken from the convent against her will; the nuns at Roscrea had agreed to sell him for adoption to an American family. Philomena spent the next 50 years trying to establish his whereabouts.

Through a lucky set of circumstances, she happened to meet Martin Sixsmith, an ex-BBC foreign correspondent and former director of communications for Tony Blair’s government. When Philomena tells Martin about her long search for her son, he realises that hers is a remarkable story. He arranges for the two of them to visit the United States to find out what happened to Anthony.

Philomena and Martin make an odd couple. She’s a plain speaker and a trusting soul who takes people at face value and keeps her feet planted firmly on the ground. Despite all the injustices she has suffered, she still retains her religious faith. In contrast, he is sophisticated and highly educated, a man at ease around important people and opulent locations; yet, having lost his job in politics and been publicly humiliated, he’s cynical and without religious conviction.

Together they embark on an extraordinary road trip. On the way they learn from each other, see a different point of view, and find reasons for laughter and joy in a quest that is at times underpinned by sadness.

These two contrasting real-life characters, Philomena Lee and Martin Sixsmith, are played by two actors at the very summit of their respective fields: the legendary Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench (Skyfall, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,Shakespeare in Love) and Steve Coogan (The Look of Love, 24 Hour Party People), one of Britain’s leading comics and creator of the legendary TV and radio ‘personality’ Alan Partridge.

Philomena, with a script by Coogan and Jeff Pope based on Sixsmith’s book, ”The Lost Child of Philomena Lee”, is directed by Stephen Frears, one of Britain’s most distinguished film-makers, twice Oscar-nominated and the director of such outstanding films as The Queen (starring Helen Mirren), High Fidelity, Dirty Pretty Things, Mrs Henderson Presents and Dangerous Liaisons. The film received four Oscar nominations at the 86^th Academy Awards, including those for Best Motion Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Dame Judi Dench.

Whether she is re-united with her son or not, you will have to see the film to find out. But, with a superb cast headed by Judi Dench and Steven Coogan, and directed by Stephen Frears, with a string of major hits under his director’s belt, Philomena is one of the best films of the year.

The screening of Philomena for ‘Movie Connoisseurs’ takes place from 17:00 on Sunday, 16 March at Cinema Nouveau Gateway in Durban. The screening starts at 17:30. Bookings are now open and standard ticket prices apply (including the discounts and benefits afforded to members of the SK Club, Discovery Vitality and Edgars Club loyalty programmes).

To book tickets and for more information, please visit: www.cinemanouveau.co.za| mobi-site: www.sterkinekor.mobi |Ticketline: 082 16789 (VAS rates apply) | Facebook: CinemaNouveau| Follow us on Twitter: @nouveaubuzz. Download theSK App for updates and to make bookings via your mobile phone.

Author: Tee

Related Topics:CINEMA NOUVEAU Gateway Theatre of Shopping Philomena

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Entertainment

A Celebration of Love – KZN Philharmonic

Published

2 weeks ago

7 February 2026

Carla Wynne

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra at a magical afternoon concert set in the tranquil surrounds of St Agnes Church, Kloof.

“A Celebration of Love” conducted by Chad Hendricks, brings together lush orchestral music with romantic favourites, and two outstanding soloists, Njabulo Nzuza and Andile Ndlela for an uplifting Valentine’s experience.

The concert includes music by Mozart, Dvorák, and Tchaikovsky, alongside well-loved classics such as Moon River, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Make You Feel My Love, Beneath Your Beautiful, and South African favourites.

Food stalls will be available offering pizza, mocktails, and sweet & savoury love boxes, creating a relaxed and festive Valentine’s afternoon.

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or simply your love of beautiful music, this concert promises an elegant and heartfelt afternoon.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 14 February
Time: 16h30
Venue: St Agnes Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof
Tickets: from R100 & available via Quicket

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with live music, romance, and the magic of the Orchestra.

Stand a chance to WIN two tickets to the Valentines Day Concert – A Celebration of Love with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra valued at R300 -> ENTER HERE <-

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Attractions

Familie Fest 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

5 February 2026

mrjoelmagic

Familie Fest 2026 Brings Live Music and Family Fun to Hillcrest

Everything You Need to Know About Familie Fest 2026

Familie Fest arrives in Hillcrest for a full weekend of live music, family-friendly entertainment and relaxed festival energy, taking place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2026 at NU Driving Range.

Designed as an all-ages outdoor music festival, Familie Fest brings together South African artists, open space, activities for kids and adults, and a format that allows families and friend groups to spend the entire day together without feeling rushed.

Event Details

Date: Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May 2026
Venue: NU Driving Range Fields, Hillcrest
Time: From 10am daily
Age Restriction: All ages
Bar Area: Over 18s only

Tickets available via:
• Familie Fest Website
• Webtickets
• Utickets

Ticket Pricing

• Kids under 4: Free
• Kids 4–12: From R129
• Teens 13–17: From R145
• Adults: From R199 to R245

Group Ticket Specials

• Buy 5 tickets, get 1 free: R1,250
• Buy 9 tickets, get 1 free: R2,100

Group tickets are limited and valid for adults or kids.

Camping add-ons are available separately and include access to a secure camp zone with toilets, showers, lighting and security.

Line-up (More to Be Announced)

The initial line-up includes a mix of established and popular South African acts:

• Francois van Coke
• Kurt Darren
• Van Pletzen
• Veranda Panda
• Appel

Friday features acoustic-focused sessions, while Saturday hosts the main acts. Additional artists will be announced closer to the event.

What to Expect

Familie Fest is structured as a full-day festival rather than an evening-only concert, with gates opening at 10am and activities running throughout the day and into the evening.

Across the festival grounds, attendees can expect:
• Live music performances
• A dedicated kids zone
• Arts and crafts activities
• Food and drink vendors
• Potjie competitions
• Access to the driving range
• Putt putt, go-karts and paintball
• Optional secure camping facilities

The layout allows families to spread out, relax and move between music, activities and rest areas at their own pace.

What You Can and Can’t Bring

Allowed:
Umbrellas, camp chairs, blankets, gazebos, bags, towels, baby gear.

Not Allowed:
Cooler boxes, outside food and drink, weapons, fireworks, sound systems, pets, sports or play equipment, bikes or braais.

Camp Zone Only:
Cooler boxes, food and drink, and braais are permitted within the designated camping area.

Why Familie Fest Works

Familie Fest positions itself as a genuinely inclusive festival, catering to families with young children, teens, and adults who want to enjoy live music without the pressure of a late-night-only format. With space to move, activities beyond the main stage, and a line-up that appeals across age groups, it offers a different kind of festival experience for the KZN calendar.

For families looking to introduce kids to live music, groups planning a social weekend, or anyone wanting an outdoor festival that runs at a comfortable pace, Familie Fest ticks all the right boxes.

Author: mrjoelmagic

Art

BUMP & GRIND this Valentines!

Published

3 weeks ago

26 January 2026

Carla Wynne

Durban comedy favourites Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert-McIlroy return to The Rhumbelow Theatre, in Umbilo this Valentines weekend with their new musical comedy – BUMP & GRIND, a high-energy musical sketch comedy that delivers a riotous mix of song, dance, quick-fire character comedy and heart.

Expect new characters, old favourites, and a soundtrack packed with thumping hits as McIlroy and Bobbert once again deliver their trademark blend of side-splitting humour, larger-than-life personalities, and musical mayhem!

Back by popular demand are Bruce and Charmaine as unforgettable Elvis impersonators, Dot and Max settling into the chaos of retirement village life, and everyone’s favourite philosopher of the people, Dr Veejay, offering his “words of wisdom.” Add in a host of hilarious new faces, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Valentines fun!

Directed and choreographed by the sensational Daisy Spencer, Bump and Grind promises to keep audiences on their feet — or rolling in the aisles — with laughter, music, and McIlroy & Bobbert’s unbeatable comic chemistry.

Venue: The Rhumbelow Theatre, Umbilo
Dates: Friday 13 & Saturday 14 Feb – 7:30pm (doors open 6pm) | Sunday 15 Feb 2026 – 2pm (doors open 12.30pm)
Tickets: From R180pp
Bookings: Webtickets

Other Info to Note: