Showmax, a prominent African streaming service, is set to unveil its latest original series, The Fix, at MIP Africa. This groundbreaking sci-fi drama is the third consecutive Showmax production to open the renowned event, following last year’s Canal+ co-production Spinners. The Fix, written and directed by Kelsey Egan, takes viewers on a journey to a dystopian future Cape Town where the air is toxic.
The storyline revolves around a model portrayed by Grace van Dien (known for her role in Stranger Things) who undergoes a shocking transformation after experimenting with a new designer drug at a party. As she grapples with her mutations, she becomes the target of various factions vying for control over the drug’s effects. Ultimately, she discovers that her unique abilities may hold the key to saving humanity from impending doom.
The cast of The Fix boasts a talented ensemble, including Daniel Sharman (from Fear The Walking Dead), Clancy Brown (featured in John Wick 4), and Nicole Fortuin, known for her role in Heart of the Hunter, a groundbreaking African film that dominated Netflix’s global English-language films charts. Additionally, Keenan Arrison, Tafara Nyatsanza, Caleb Payne, Tina Redman, and Robyn Rossouw bring their expertise to the screen, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
The Fix made its world premiere at the prestigious Chattanooga Film Festival in Tennessee, where it garnered acclaim as the closing night screening. This marks Egan’s second feature film, following the success of Glasshouse, which also premiered on Showmax and received recognition at Fantasia. The Fix is scheduled to premiere on MultiChoice streamer Showmax on Thursday, October 31, with international sales being handled by The Exchange.
Nicola van Niekerk, Acting Head of Content at Showmax, expressed excitement about the unique storytelling showcased in The Fix, calling it a South African sci-fi/action/body horror/superhero origin story like no other. The series signifies a shift towards diverse narratives in African cinema, allowing filmmakers to explore unconventional genres and push the boundaries of traditional TV content.
Judy Goddard, FAME’s head of partnerships, echoed similar sentiments, affirming that The Fix’s African premiere at FAME Week Africa 2024 will shine a spotlight on the ingenuity and dynamism of African storytelling on a global platform. By setting the story in a futuristic Cape Town, The Fix not only captivates audiences with its striking visuals and compelling plot but also showcases the creative prowess of African filmmakers in narrating impactful stories that resonate across borders.
MIP Africa offers a platform for industry professionals to converge and celebrate the richness of African cinema. The Fix stands out as a testament to the evolving landscape of African content creation, presenting audiences with a fresh take on sci-fi drama and superhero narratives within a uniquely African context.