Reel tribute: celebrating Presley Chweneyagae's Oscar-winning legacy with special screenings

The South African entertainment industry recently lost one of the country's most iconic talents: Presley Chweneyagae. 

Chweneyagae died of natural causes on May 27.

DStv and Showmax have organised special screenings of his most notable works, including the film that catapulted him to stardom, "Tsotsi".

In the week following his death, two memorial services were held to celebrate Chweneyagae's life and career, giving friends, family and fans a space to honour the legacy of the versatile actor.

His contribution to the arts has left an indelible mark, with "Tsotsi" standing as a notable highlight. This film, directed by Gavin Hood and based on Athol Fugard’s acclaimed novel, follows the journey of a young boy navigating the harsh realities of life in Johannesburg's townships.

"Tsotsi" tells the poignant story of a car thief who finds a baby in the stolen vehicle, forcing him to confront his own life choices.

The film not only gained critical acclaim but also earned Chweneyagae an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

"Tsotsi" stars Chweneyagae alongside Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Jerry Mofokeng and Rapulana Seiphemo.

The film began its Oscar journey with victories at the Edinburgh Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, culminating in a heartwarming moment at the 2006 Oscars when Will Smith presented the Best Foreign Language Film award to a visibly emotional Gavin Hood.

Chweneyagae's talent transcended film; he was also a celebrated stage actor, appearing in theatre classics including "Hamlet", "Julius Caesar" and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream".

His co-authored play "Relativity" and the award-winning "Cell No. 4", which he directed, further showcased his range and dedication to the performing arts. 

To honour his memory, DStv and Showmax will broadcast "Tsotsi" on Friday, June 6, on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 9pm, then again on Mzansi Magic on Saturday, June 7, at 8 pm and M-Net Movies Channel 4 on June 15 at 8pm. 

Meanwhile, "Cobrizi" will come to an end on June 8 at 8pm on Mzansi Magic. 

Mzansi Bioskop will pay tribute through a series of films celebrating Chweneyagae’s talent, featuring "Zama Zama" on June 9, "State of Violence" on June 10, and "iNumber Number" on June 11.