Story perspectives

Canal+ Shuts Down Showmax: Industry Calls for Innovation

3/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Canal+ shut down the local streaming service Showmax, triggering concern at the JBX Talks conference in Johannesburg.
Producers lament the loss of content options and call for collaboration and innovation to adapt to dynamics.
Cape Town's Both Worlds announced a partnership with Freeli Films to produce vertical series for the growing microdrama market.
Joburg Film Festival, running from March 3-8, highlights these discussions and moves toward new storytelling formats.

1 of 1

Story summary

Canal+ shut down the local streaming service Showmax, triggering concern at the JBX Talks conference in Johannesburg.
Producers lament the loss of content options and call for collaboration and innovation to adapt to dynamics.
Cape Town's Both Worlds announced a partnership with Freeli Films to produce vertical series for the growing microdrama market.
Joburg Film Festival, running from March 3-8, highlights these discussions and moves toward new storytelling formats.