Latest Film Releases, Streaming Platforms, Documentaries, and TV Shows from the Year 2020
Cracking the World of Film with Daniel's Guidance (30/12/2020)
As the brainchild behind our indie training initiative, and a seasoned film and theater journalist of four decades, Daniel has been conducting workshops on creative writing, playwriting, and screenwriting across South Africa and internationally for the past 22 years. More about Daniel
Some films leave an indelible mark on our lives, merging action on screen with reactions in our minds to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. 2020 saw the demise of traditional cinemas, the rise of digital streaming, and the resurgence of independent filmmaking, making it a landmark year for the movie world. Here's a rundown of some noteworthy films, series, and documentaries of 2020, the year that changed our universe.
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*JUMP TO:* Top 5 Films Of 2020 | South African Films | Top Film Festivals | Live Streamings | Top DocuSeries**
Top 5 Films Of 2020
- 1917
Inspired by actual events, this grand masterwork from filmmaker Sam Mendes takes viewers on an emotionally gripping journey, showcasing cinema at its finest. With a stellar performance from George Mackay, 1917 dazzles with its technical prowess and powerful message about human kindness in the face of adversity. Read More
- Parasite
BONG Joon Ho's genre-defying tragicomedy is a cutting commentary on class struggle in contemporary society. With a smart script and unforgettable characters, the film showcases the absurdity of people trying to climb the social ladder. It easily earned numerous awards, including Oscars and Screen Actors Guild recognitions. Read More
- The Lighthouse
Robert Eggers delivers an eerie and mesmerizing tale set against the backdrop of a remote New England island in the 1890s, with a standout performance from Willem Dafoe. Haunting and physically demanding, the film explores psychological despair and the struggle to maintain sanity in isolation. Read More
- A Hidden Life
Terrence Malick shines the spotlight on the true story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian peasant farmer who refused to pledge allegiance to Hitler during World War II. Led by an excellent ensemble cast, the film delves into the complexities of faith, morality, and the human spirit. Read More
- True History Of The Kelly Gang
Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel offers a provocative retelling of the life of notorious outlaw Ned Kelly, obscuring the mythology to reveal a troubled man of his time. The film's gritty portrayal and stunning performances create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Read More
Other notable films: Jojo Rabbit, Judy, Let Him Go, Midway, Run, The Invisible Man, Greenland, as well as films released digitally, Uncle Frank, Boys In The Band (2020), Mank, and Extraction.
South African Films
- Toorbos
René van Rooyen brings to life Dalene Matthee's classic novel about the last forest inhabitants of South Africa in the 1930s, delivering a captivating and heartwarming cinematic journey. Read More
- Griekwastad
Jozua Malherbe's powerful drama tells the chilling story of the Griekwastad murders, shedding light on a case that shocked the world. Read More
- Poppie Nongena
Chronicling the life of an isiXhosa mother fighting for stability for her family amidst immigration issues, Christiaan Olwagen's film is both touching and thought-provoking. Read More
Top Film Festivals of 2020
One of the most inspirational film festivals of the year was the Koos Roets Film Festival hosting 10 films in December 2020, including Faan se Train, Vlug van die Seemeeu, Die Sersant en die Tigermoth, Kootjie Emmer, and Erfgenaam. Read More
Live Streamings of 2020
The Met Opera in New York led the charge in live streaming, offering almost 300 operas for fans to watch safely at home, while Netflix kept audiences entertained with series like The Queen's Gambit, The Crown, and Ratched. Read More
Top Documentaries of 2020
- My Octopus Teacher
Craig Foster's film documents his year-long relationship with a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest, delivering both beauty and insight into the connection between humans and nature. Read More
- David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
An eye-opening look at the state of the planet from the perspective of a lifelong naturalist, urging viewers to take action to prevent further environmental degradation. Read More
- Kiss the Ground
This eye-opening documentary explores how regenerating the earth's soil can address climate change, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity. Read More
- The Social Dilemma
Tackling the potential dangers of social networking, this documentary features tech experts warning viewers about the impact of algorithms and targeted advertising on their lives. Read More
Top TV Series of 2020
- The Mandalorian
Bounty hunter Wil Fotwirr navigates the outer reaches of the Star Wars universe in this entertaining series. Read More
- Ted Lasso
Exploring small-town America's perspective on British culture, this comedy-drama charms audiences with its witty writing and lovable characters. Read More
- The Crown
The award-winning series continues to delve into the lives of the British royal family, offering gripping drama and stunning production values. Read More
- Squid Game
A South Korean survival drama that gained international fame for its suspenseful storytelling and memorable characters. Read More
- Ratched
Sarah Paulson gives a mesmerizing performance as a revealing glimpse into the origins of the character Nurse Ratched, from the novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Read More
- Although Daniel is proficient in various forms of creative writing like screenwriting, playwriting, and journalism, he began conducting workshops specifically on these subjects in South Africa and internationally 22 years ago.
- In the midst of 2020, a landmark year for movies and TV, independent filmmaking witnessed a resurgence, brought on by the demise of traditional cinemas and the rise of digital streaming platforms.
- To delve deeper into the lives of the British royal family, movie and TV lovers could engage with top series like The Crown, a captivating presentation of gripping drama and flawless production values found in the world of entertainment.
