"The Shakedown": Amazon Prime Video's First South African Original Film Premieres Next Month

In what appears to be a groundbreaking moment for the South African film industry, Amazon Prime Video is all set to premiere its first South African original feature, "The Shakedown." This eagerly anticipated crime comedy is slated to hit the streaming platform on August 8, marking a significant step for local content in the ever-expanding global streaming marketplace.

Directed by Ari Kruger, who is stepping into the arena of feature filmmaking for the first time, "The Shakedown" showcases the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town. His directorial acclaim includes multiple Best Comedy Director wins at the South African Film & Television Awards, primarily for his work on the adored "Tali’s Diary" series.

Crafting the story along with Kruger is an ensemble cast that reads like a who's who of South African talent. Heading the lineup is Julia Anastasopoulos of "Tali’s Diary" fame, joined by Carl Beukes, known for his role in "Lioness," and Emmanuel Castis from "Warrior" and G20." Viewers will also witness celebrated South African rapper Jack Parow, alongside rising stars like Berenice Barbier and established actors such as Milton Schorr, David Isaacs, and James Borthwick.

The plot of "The Shakedown" delves into the life of Justin Diamond, portrayed by Carl Beukes—a prominent medical aid broker—in a narrative interwoven with crime, secrets, and chaos. Diamond's life spirals into disarray when his mistress threatens to spill the beans about their clandestine affair, propelling him into a world brimming with comedic pitfalls and dangerous criminals of the Mother City's underbelly.

The film, produced by Sketchbook Studios—the production company founded by the director and Anastasopoulos—has generated palpable excitement among its cast. Beukes shared his enthusiasm on Instagram, stating the experience was one of the most incredible of his life. Anastasopoulos also expressed her joy about the project, anticipating the global share of their creation.

Adding a touch of humor to the dangerous mix is Jack Parow, who will presumably steal scenes as the inept but lovable hitman, Mikey. Despite being a novice in the acting field, Parow has expressed his sheer delight at being part of the project. In his talks with EWN, he highlighted the joy of working in such an amazing ensemble and mentioned the experience of having a stunt double as "crazy" and exhilarating.

"The Shakedown" aims to strike the perfect balance between humor and suspense, offering a fresh perspective on South African storytelling. With its first original film from the region, Amazon Prime Video is demonstrating its commitment to diversifying content and showcasing stories from around the globe, capturing the essence and talent that South Africa has to offer.