Showmax, Netflix reveal Thabo Bester documentary/movie plans

If South Africans can agree on one thing, it’s that the true-life criminal drama surrounding Thabo Bester has all the elements of a captivating film production…

But, have streaming services such as Netflix and Showmax jumped on board with a tale centred on the convicted rapist, murderer, and fraudster?

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Here’s what they’ve had to say…

THABO BESTER DOCCIE: WHAT AND WHEN CAN WE EXPECT IT?

With hit docu-series like Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna becoming streaming sensations, South Africans are demanding that Mzansi’s most daring fraudster Thabo Bester get his own production too.

And local streaming platform Showmax wholeheartedly agrees.

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Speaking to The South African, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Nomsa Philiso said: “I’ve never been asked so many times if we’re making something, and we’ve already received so many submissions we’ve had to do a tender process.”

While nothing official is in the pipeline, Showmax encourages filmmakers to submit proposals via their official portal.

She continued, “Once uploaded, our team will look at it and, if there’s interest, reach out. For documentary pitches, in addition to outlining the story and your credentials, it’s important to be as clear as possible about the access you have to the people closest to the story.”

Showmax has seen an interest in local true-crime thrillers on the back of documentaries like Devilsdorp, Stella Murders, The Last Blue Ride, and Steinheist.

Philiso added: “We have a slate of true crime Showmax Originals on the way that are going to raise as many eyebrows as the Thabo Bester story has.”.

Similarly, Netflix had no official plans to turn Bester’s sordid saga into a screen production – yet.

However, spokesperson Theo Nel added: “Personally, think it would make for interesting TV…and with all the details coming out relating to it, there’s definitely a ton of seasons with of content!”.

ALSO READ: Another Bester Attempt: SA Policeman Arrested Trying To Smuggle Frank Buyanga Out Of Prison

A BOOK DEAL TOO?
South Africans are also keen to see Thabo Bester’s story be written into a true-crime book.

Some even think that Bester and his co-conspirator Dr Nandipha Magudumana already have plans to pen a bestseller…

After all the Thabo Bester and Dr Nandipha Magudumana dust has settled, I am foreseeing them making a lot of money. Authors, media houses, news agencies wanting to pay them big bucks for interviews.

The book would be the bestseller.
A series would be in best watched.

— 🇿🇦Umtan' entombi🇿🇦 (@zingisalanguza) April 9, 2023