A new television series, Boekmerk, is set to air on kykNET from Wednesday, October 14, at 21:00. The show, hosted by poet and writer Danie Marais, takes viewers on a journey through the world of Afrikaans books, writers, and readers. Over 13 episodes, the team will visit well-known and up-and-coming writers, attend book discussions, and join reading clubs across South Africa. The series will also explore the books and writers featured on Rapport's list of the 100 best Afrikaans books.
The series aims to showcase the people behind the books, who are often just as interesting and engaging as their writing. Marais notes that working on Boekmerk has reminded him of the amount of time, energy, and love invested in writing and making books. Despite books rarely generating significant profits for writers or publishers, Marais believes that the value of literature lies in its ability to bring people together and transcend material wealth.
The first episode of Boekmerk features a visit to the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria, where the team meets with Nataniël and contributors to the impressive coffee table book, Bloei + blom. The series' panel of book experts will also shed light on the legacy of Dalene Matthee, while viewers will join the Boekekoukus reading club in Durbanville to celebrate the trailblazing writer M.E.R.
The series will feature a diverse range of established literary legends, including Antjie Krog, Etienne van Heerden, Marlene van Niekerk, and Karel Schoeman, as well as contemporary voices such as Jaco Jacobs, Gaireyah Fredericks, Jeremy Vearey, and Wilna Roux. According to the producers, Boekmerk is more than just a program about books – it's a celebration of reading as a living culture that brings people together.
The idea for Boekmerk originated from a column by Antjie Krog, and the enthusiasm of book clubs and reading groups across South Africa was instrumental in shaping the series. Co-producer Wicus Pretorius believes that Boekmerk will have a ripple effect, inspiring more people to come together and share their love of reading.
The production team faced the challenge of presenting the series in a fresh and engaging way, while also making it accessible to a broad audience. Co-producer and series director Marius van de Wall notes that the goal was to create a stylish program that is both informative and entertaining, making it a unique home for books on kykNET.
Boekmerk promises to be an exciting and inspiring series that will take viewers on a journey through the world of Afrikaans literature. With its mix of conversations, documentary elements, literary debates, and reader experiences, the series aims to inspire new reading adventures and celebrate the joy of reading. Boekmerk will air on kykNET (DStv channel 144) from Wednesday, October 14, with episodes also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
Key points
- The series will feature a diverse range of established and contemporary Afrikaans writers.
- Boekmerk aims to celebrate reading as a living culture that brings people together.
- The series will explore the books and writers featured on Rapport's list of the 100 best Afrikaans books.
