Latest news with #SouthPark
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Adam — a raw exploration of masculinity, race and resilience
Adam challenges traditional ideas of manhood through the story of a young man navigating the harsh realities of a strict farm school in South Africa. Drawing from personal experiences and social influences, directors Liyema Speelman and Winford Collings craft a powerful narrative about identity, belonging and breaking free from outdated norms. Liyema Speelman, co-director of the powerful new drama Adam, challenges traditional binaries through the story of a young man confronting the weight of patriarchy and finding healing in its aftermath. More than just a coming-of-age story, Adam offers a raw look at the emotional armour young men are expected to wear, to hide any sort of vulnerability. Fresh out of high school, Adam is trying to define his identity while learning to survive the harsh realities of a rigid farm school. Resilience, he discovers, isn't a choice; it's a lifeline. Directed by Speelman and Winford Collings, the film is part of Showmax's first-time directors slate in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival. The duo began working on Adam in 2023. After its premiere on 4 May, Speelman spoke to Daily Maverick about the inspirations and personal reflections that shaped the film. Adam, played by Marko Voster, is a hot-headed teenager questioning the next steps for his future after finishing high school. Without any warning, Adam is sent to a technical farm school to give him a new sense of direction. As he gets used to his new environment, Adam is forced to leave his 'old identity' behind and 'toughen up'. From the moment Adam arrives at the farm school it's clear that discipline – and abuse – reigns supreme. The institution, founded by the late father of its authoritarian headmaster (played by Dirk Stoltz), is steeped in legacy. But that legacy casts a long shadow that pushes the headmaster into an obsessive drive to live up to his father's image, ultimately leading him towards unravelling. Adam becomes a target of the built-up rage that the headmaster carries. While his schoolmates try to stay out of harm, Adam suffers, often in isolation, and is fearful to speak up. The brutal abuse he endures forces him to confront and redefine what strength and manhood truly mean. Why is this film relevant today? Adam is reminiscent of the popular South African original film, Moffie, directed by Oliver Hermanus, which came out in 2021. Both films explore initiation through the lens of military training, often portrayed as a rite of passage meant to transform boys into men. Adam draws inspiration from the personal experiences of both directors. Speelman reflects on his time growing up in an all-boys school in Port Elizabeth, which he attended from Grade 1. He recalls how slurs and name-calling, often with references to cult cartoon South Park, were a normalised part of daily life. 'If [these] are the only things that you have known, it becomes an afterthought,' he says, 'but soon this afterthought makes you realise that the 'normality' there is slightly incorrect. 'It takes us as filmmakers to kind of mirror [those experiences] and simply create a new path or give new suggestions as to what people should be doing nowadays.' Andrew Tate and the influence of the manosphere Even today, boys and men are often taught, whether subtly or forcefully, that showing emotion is a weakness. At the farm school, Adam's lack of athleticism sets him apart, and he's punished for it. Beyond the film, social media adds to the pressure, with hyper-masculine influencers pushing harmful ideals onto young and often vulnerable minds. Adam challenges this mindset, offering raw, emotional moments that reveal there's real strength in vulnerability. The directors were also inspired by the 1985 film Come and See, directed by Elem Klimlov. The film explores the heavy burden placed on young men sent to the army, expected to carry the weight of saving their country. Adam is their creative way of engaging with and imagining life within that world. Speelman explains that Come and See 'looks at the idea of boys going to war and being excited about the idea of becoming men and then being utterly terrorised, disenchanted and disillusioned by that idea of masculinity. More recently, in March 2025, Adolescence, the Netflix original series, sparked much-needed conversations around hyper-masculinity and male rage. Speaking to Speelman about the series, he points to Andrew Tate, one of the most infamous influencers known for promoting misogynistic content. 'Andrew Tate has become this beacon of fiery strong men, but it's a false archetype, a false god. 'With the rise of Andrew Tate, there's this anger that's fostered within a lot of young men because there's an element where a lot of their identity was grounded on this old idea of what a man is. 'The man essentially is the ketch of the household, he's the breadwinner but when a lot of those ideas are challenged, where now you're not the breadwinner and you feel like you're not needed, you feel left out and I think that's where there's this growing rage that I've been watching is simmering.' Talking about race Race is a subtle but important theme in the film, reflecting the directors' perspectives as men of colour. Through characters like Liam and Davey, the film highlights the experience of a boy of colour in a mostly white farm school. Although Adam isn't a man of colour, his close relationship with Liam, built on shared struggles with harsh punishments, allows the story to explore how race intersects with power and belonging. Dillon Windvogel as Liam. Speelman explains that 'the racial bodies in the film become that bridge within South African society of creating a friendship. But also [help us] truly understand one another to essentially move forward as one union.' Adam may not have visual components as strong as those in Adolescence and Moffie, but its stripped-down aesthetic is a memorable component of the film. It also taps into a deeper sense of stillness, which Speelman says was intentional. His reasoning behind some inert moments in the film is that 'a lot of emotions, especially through cinema, sometimes are rushed through. I think the type of cinema that I gravitate towards is very arthouse. Within that arthouse, you have to sit within the uncomfortability, and that is where the lessons stick a lot more.' Cinematographer Gray Kotze creates an intimate relationship between the viewer and the characters, and with an eye for documentary, he was able to immerse the viewers in Adam's world. DM
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy Trial: Who Is ‘Mia,' the Anonymous Witness Accusing Sean Combs of Sexual Assault and Violence?
On Thursday, an anonymous former employee of Sean 'Diddy' Combs took the stand in his sex trafficking trial, accusing him of sexual assault and violence. The witness, testifying under the pseudonym 'Mia,' worked as a personal assistant and then executive for Combs from 2009 to 2017. Her real identity was revealed to the jury as an image of her passport was shown under seal. (Variety will refrain from describing her physical appearance as to respect the witness' anonymity.) More from Variety Weekend Update Slams Diddy's Trial, Elon Musk 'Pulling Out' of DOGE and Colin Jost's Extreme Doll Obsession 'South Park' Season 27 Sets July Premiere and Takes Aim at Diddy, Ketamine and a War Against Canada 'SNL' Weekend Update Mocks Diddy, Will Smith's New Album and the Viral Morning Routine Video Mia described her time working under Combs as 'chaotic' and 'toxic.' Being his assistant was a relentless job with an initial salary of $50,000. Mia said she once worked five days straight without sleep, and used the drug Adderall to stay awake. Looking down and speaking in a nervous, soft voice, Mia said Combs 'sexually assaulted me' on multiple occasions. At the beginning of the trial, prosecutors previewed that Mia would testify that Combs forced her to perform oral sex and once entered 'her bed to penetrate her against her will.' Mia became close friends with Combs' then-girlfriend Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, describing their relationship as 'like sisters.' She said Combs exerted control over nearly every aspect of Ventura's life and career, including how her nails looked and what music she was allowed to put out. He paid for Ventura's homes and cars and would take them away from her 'when he was upset' or 'couldn't get her on the phone,' Mia testified. Asked about whether she witnessed any violence in Combs and Ventura's relationship, Mia stuttered and took heavy breaths. 'I've seen him attack her, I've seen him throw her on the ground, I've seen him crack her head open. I've seen him chase her,' she said. On one occasion that has been previously referenced in the trial, Mia was hanging out with Ventura and her stylist, Deonte Nash, when an 'irate' Combs knocked on the door, came into Ventura's apartment and allegedly began beating her. Mia and Nash jumped on Combs to try to stop him, and Combs 'threw me against a wall so quick and so easily,' Mia said. 'I realized we were in real danger.' Mia said she watched Combs pick up Ventura, and 'he slammed her head into the corner of the bed.' Ventura's head began gushing blood and she developed a scar on her forehead. Mia said that in the moment, she feared that Combs 'would kill her.' Mia said Combs then demanded that she call one of his assistants and tell her that Ventura 'was drunk and hit her head,' and that she needed to see a doctor immediately. During these fits of rage, Combs' eyes would 'turn black' and 'it was like he was looking through me,' Mia said. On another occasion, around 2011 or 2012, Mia and Ventura decided to go to a party in Los Angeles hosted by the artist Prince, going against Combs' instructions that they stay in. At the party, Mia and Ventura were dancing and 'having fun,' when Combs suddenly entered and made eye contact with Mia. 'Oh crap,' she thought. To avoid Combs, Mia said she and Ventura ran out of the house and tried to hide in the bushes, but Combs 'caught' Ventura and 'had her on the ground.' 'He started to attack her, but Prince's security swiftly intervened,' she recalled. The next day, Mia was informed that she had been suspended without pay. 'Puff said I was being insubordinate,' she said. Mia's testimony matches up with many of the events described by Ventura, Nash and other witnesses. Combs is not accused of sex trafficking Mia. Rather, her testimony that Combs subjected her to forced labor — including sexual activity — through violence and threats, relates to the racketeering charge. Combs is accused of running a criminal enterprise, with security guards and other employees who allegedly helped him commit crimes and cover them up for decades. If convicted, Combs could spend the rest of his life behind bars. Best of Variety 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Baby bison born at South Park Game Preserve
A new bison has been born at the South Park Game Preserve. The Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve, a Facebook page that provides frequent updates on the bison that call the park home, introduced followers to Kai on Tuesday. "After a long wait this Spring, we had an eye on last year's moms Lily and Rosie to deliver a Buffalo baby or two this year! And so today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - early this morning, our girl Lily came through and delivered our first baby this year!" the group wrote on Facebook. (Photo: Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve/Facebook) The Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve said the name Kai means "balance and harmony." It's the preserve's first red dog of the season after one female had a stillbirth and another appeared to have a miscarriage. In April, an Allegheny County spokesperson told KDKA-TV that they've elevated concerns about stillbirths and miscarriages in the bison herd to the United States Department of Agriculture. Allegheny County says bison have lived in South Park since 1927. Parkgoers can visit the herd from 7 a.m. to dusk. On Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., the bison caretaker hosts a public feeding. The county says more than 60 million bison once roamed North America, but by 1889, only a few hundred wild bison remained. Since the early 20th century, there have been nationwide efforts to restore their population.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Sky customers finally receive upgrade for popular TV app filled with top movies – there's a big discount too
Latest move reverses changes made in January for a price DREAM STREAM Sky customers finally receive upgrade for popular TV app filled with top movies – there's a big discount too Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SKY customers can finally take advantage of a streaming perk months after a dreaded downgrade came into force. Many TV and movie apps have introduced ads now, with an option to pay extra to remove them. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Gladiator 2 is among the big movies on Paramount+ Credit: Alamy 2 Favourites like South Park are on Paramount+ too Credit: AP In January, Sky customers were warned that their Paramount+ access would now be ad-based. Sky Cinema subscribers get access to Paramount+ at no extra cost. However, the change strangely didn't include an option to upgrade for those wanting to avoid the ads. But thanks to a new update, Sky customers can now choose an ad-free option instead. What's more, customers get money off compared to subscribing directly to Paramount+. "Finally no ads so I can get back to watching South Park and Nobland with no interuptions!" one viewer wrote on Sky's forum. "This is good news," another commented. Sky customers can subscribe to Paramount+ standard - which has no ads - for £3 extra per month. Usually, the standard plan costs £7.99 per month. For those who want 4K quality as well as a screen allowance boost and no ads, it's £6 extra. You're throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy That's instead of the £10.99 you would have to pay for it directly. Sky Cinema costs £10 per month and comes with two free cinema tickets for Vue Cinemas each month.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Sky customers finally receive upgrade for popular TV app filled with top movies – there's a big discount too
SKY customers can finally take advantage of a streaming perk months after a dreaded downgrade came into force. Many TV and movie apps have introduced ads now, with an option to pay extra to remove them. Advertisement 2 Gladiator 2 is among the big movies on Paramount+ Credit: Alamy 2 Favourites like South Park are on Paramount+ too Credit: AP In January, However, the change strangely didn't include an option to upgrade for those wanting to avoid the ads. But thanks to a new update, Sky customers can now choose an ad-free option instead. Advertisement Read more about Sky What's more, customers get money off compared to subscribing directly to Paramount+. "Finally no ads so I can get back to watching South Park and Nobland with no interuptions!" one viewer wrote on Sky's forum. "This is good news," another commented. Sky customers can subscribe to Paramount+ standard - which has no ads - for £3 extra per month. Advertisement Most read in Tech Exclusive Exclusive Usually, the standard plan costs £7.99 per month. For those who want You're throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy That's instead of the £10.99 you would have to pay for it directly. Sky Cinema costs £10 per month and comes with two free cinema tickets for Advertisement PARAMOUNT+ PRICES AND PERKS In November, Paramount+ announced a new pricing structure. Before then, there was just one standard plan costing £7.99. Since November, there have been three. The cheapest is £4.99 with ads, the ability to watch on one device at a time and only full HD quality - you also don't have the privilege to download shows offline. Paramount+'s new standard plan is £6.99 per month, allowing up to two concurrent streams in full HD and you can download content to watch on the go. The premium plan is £10.99 per month, with up to four devices allowed to watch at the same time, as well as 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on selected titles.
