Tali’s Wedding Diary Sweeps 5 SAFTAs and Reaches 1 MILLION Views

At the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) this weekend, the debut Showmax Original, Tali’s Wedding Diary, won five awards – the most of any TV comedy. The brilliant SA mockumentary – inspired by the real-life wedding of Suzelle DIY actress Julia Anastasopoulos – also reached 1 million views this week!

The 5 awards made Showmax the most awarded broadcaster in the TV comedy category and marked the first time a streaming service had won at the SAFTAs.

“When we were making Tali’s Wedding Diary, we joked about winning a SAFTA – it seemed totally crazy given it was our first fully-fledged Showmax Original and all of us were learning as we went,” says Candice Fangueiro, head of content for MultiChoice Connected Video.

“Fast-forward and we’re on stage not just winning one SAFTA award but taking home five. I’m still pinching myself.”

Tali’s Wedding Diary won Best Comedy, Actress (Julia Anastasopoulos, who’s well known as SuzelleDIY, as Tali Shapiro), Directing (Ari Kruger), Cinematography (James Adey) and Editing (Richard Starkey). The show was also nominated for Best Scriptwriting (Julia, Ari and Daniel Zimbler) and Art Direction (Keren Setton).

Tali’s Wedding Diary is a mockumentary that follows Tali, a self-obsessed Joburg princess who’s moved to Cape Town and is planning her wedding to property-agent fiance Darren (Anton Taylor).

The series was inspired by Julia’s own wedding to Ari, her SuzelleDIY and Tali’s Wedding Diary co-creator.

The week before the SAFTAs, Talis’ Wedding Diary reached another milestone: the comedy topped one million views on Showmax.

“Julia and Ari have been amazing partners in bringing to life a character who South Africa has come to love,” says Candice.

“Tali’s become bigger than we ever could have expected and this gives us the confidence and appetite to get out there and tell more stories. I’m really grateful to everyone involved – what an incredible outcome.”

Fans have been asking for a sequel ever since the show aired. While no official announcement has been made, Ari did hint on his Instagram account that another season could be on the cards.

After thanking everyone involved and everyone who watched and supported the show, he ended, “Let’s hope this recognition allows us to make the next chapter.”

Tali_babes reaction on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BulciMWlxOB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ari’s reaction on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BujNLzegxFk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In addition to Tali’s Wedding Diary, Showmax is also the only place you can stream a number of the other big winners, including:

• The River, the most awarded telenovela;
• Lockdown, the most awarded drama; and
• Isithembiso, the most awarded soap.

Watch the Tali’s Wedding Diary trailer:

Binge Tali’s Wedding Diary first and only on Showmax:
https://www.showmax.com/eng/tvseries/dqv89awk-talis-wedding-diary