After Canal+ Shutters Showmax, Is the Dream for Cutting-Edge African Content Over?

Africa’s creatives and content producers are upset, fearful for the future and extremely concerned about where it will leave the continent’s film and TV sector after Canal+’s announcement that it’s pulling the plug on MultiChoice’s video streaming service Showmax. Aghast, award-winning producers of film and TV, who all spoke to Variety on condition of anonymity […] Home TV Global Mar 6, 2026 1:19pm PT After Canal+ Shutters Showmax, Is the Dream for Cutting-Edge African Content Over? By Thinus Ferreira Plus Icon Thinus Ferreira Guest Contributor Latest Meekaeel Adam on African Horror-Western ‘The Trek’ and Prepping a Ravine-Set Scene That Defies Belief 7 hours ago Filmmaker Tshililo waha Muzila on Hiking Through Spain With an Orange Life Jacket for Afrophobia Doc ‘The Little Black Man From the Congo’ 7 hours ago ‘Ngwato’ Director Magangwe Mahlase on Telling a Queer Story With Daddy Issues in a Rural Sepedi Village: ‘I Would Want a Hug From My Father’ 1 day ago See All "Khaki Fever" (Courtesy of Nostalgia Productions) Africa’s creatives and content producers are upset, fearful for the future and extremely concerned about where it will leave the continent’s film and TV sector after Canal+‘s announcement that it’s pulling the plug on MultiChoice’s video streaming service Showmax. Aghast, award-winning producers of film and TV, who all spoke to Variety on condition of anonymity since they don’t want to jeopardize professional relationships or future opportunities, are scared of what work, and type of work for streaming they’ll get from Canal+ for Africa going forward. Related Stories ‘Sinners’ Production Designer Hannah Beachler Says Alan Cumming's 'Throw-Away Apology' Over N-Word Slur During BAFTAs 'Made It Worse'