Global audiences can catch Riaad Moosa alongside Joey Rasdien, Schalk Bezuidenhout and a bevy of stellar South African talent in much-anticipated film release
In a first for South Africa, international audiences will be able to watch ‘New Material’, the much-anticipated sequel to the hugely popular, award-winning ‘Material’ (2012) featuring acclaimed comedian & actor, Riaad Moosa, as a virtual cinema offering. The film will be available from 30 November worldwide on the streaming platform, Eventive, excluding South Africa, where ‘New Material’ is currently playing in cinemas exclusively.
After what has been a very difficult year for most people, New Material offers battle-weary South Africans and the global community a good laugh and a little respite from the gloom of the pandemic. “I think comedy is a great way to defuse pain and anguish,” says Riaad Moosa. “When we laugh together with family or friends or with strangers in a cinema, we are able to find release”.
In ‘New Material’, the much-loved character, Cassim Kaif (Riaad Moosa) is back and, together with his best friend Yusuf (Joey Rasdien) and opening act, Hendrik (Schalk Bezuidenhout), the three blaze a trail of mayhem across South Africa, with every stop of their comedy tour delivering a laugh-a-minute. While international fame beckons in the distance, Cassim has to deal with the immediate complications of the national tour all while balancing the demands of a marriage, a young child and living with his ageing parents.
‘New Material’ also stars Vincent Ebrahim (The Kumars at No 42, Material), Denise Newman (Material, Disgrace), Carishma Basday (Deep End, Material), Zakeeya Patel (The Girl from St Agnes, Material), Kurt Schoonraad (Tali’s Baby Diary, Skeem), Rajesh Gopie (Mayfair) and Shashi Naidoo. The film is directed by award-winning director Craig Freimond and produced by Robbie Thorpe. The film is produced by Ochre Moving Pictures and Blu Blood Africa and is distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution.
“Eventive is a technology platform designed specifically to enhance the film screening experience, and was built by independent film lovers,” says Helen Kuun, MD of Indigenous Film Distribution. “It is keeping the indie film ecosystem thriving. It’s great virtual solution during the pandemic, and also for the future. We are delighted to be able to make New Material available to a global audience and we urge people to take the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s best comedians in action in this wonderfully heartwarming film.”