It was one of the most popular reality shows on kykNET last year and the first South African version of this brand-new international format. Breathtaking natural scenery, inventive and creative camerawork, a great soundtrack and art direction, Neil Sandilands’ gripping narration and all the twists and turns the participants had to navigate, made for a smash hit.
Clearly, the Emmy Award judges agree: Die Brug has been nominated for an International Emmy Award in the category for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment. The nominations were announced in New York.
“When Marguerite Albrecht, one of the commissioning producers at kykNET, suggested in May 2022 that kykNET adapt the international format Die Brug for our viewers, we knew something exciting was coming,” says Waldimar Pelser, M-Net’s Director of Premium Channels. “The end product, produced by Red Pepper, provided our viewers with immense enjoyment. To receive international recognition for an Afrikaans production filmed near the picturesque Swellendam in the Southern Cape is immensely gratifying. And the second season will be airing on kykNET next year.”
“Die Brug is one of those rare reality shows that come along from time to time that turn the genre on its head. We’re proud to have been able to adapt a top-notch international format for our local market – and produce such an amazing local version,” says Nomsa Philiso, CEO: General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group. “Congratulations to our talented crew on bringing a uniquely South African flavour to Die Brug, which stands comfortably alongside versions produced anywhere else in the world”.
Die Brug is a very special format and somewhat of an enigma to produce,” says Cecil Barry, CEO of Red Pepper. “Working with kykNET on this wonderful format was indeed a great adventure and privilege. We are proud and excited about this Emmy nomination, especially because it brings international recognition to kykNET and Red Pepper.”
The first season of Die Brug, produced by Frederick Louw and Lindi Lucouw from Red Pepper, is currently available on Showmax, and filming for the second season will begin soon. The broadcast date for the second season on kykNET in 2025 will be announced later.
The winner of the first season of Die Brug was Robert Kruger, a former rugby player from Pretoria.
The International Emmy Awards ceremony will be held on 25 November in New York. There are 14 categories and 56 nominees from 21 countries competing for these prestigious awards. The other nominees in the category for which Die Brug is nominated, are Anything Goes (Mexico), Restaurant Misverstand (Belgium) and The Summit (Australia).