Pen & Pixels

                                      DIE FRANSE GEHEIM "Nie 'n spook nie. 'n Spieëlbeeld. Jy is Mila, nie waar nie? Die meisie van die suide."   Mila Dumont was bestem vir die flikkerligte van die verhoog, maar die noodlot het ander planne gehad. Wanneer haar pa, Jean-Pierre, ernstig siek word, moet sy haar dramastudies opsê en terugkeer na die stowwerige wingerde van hul familieplaas in die Boland. Vasgevang in 'n lewe van pligsbesef, voel Mila soos 'n aktrise in die verkeerde rol. Sy soek desperaat na haar eie identiteit, 'n soeke wat bemoeilik word deur die swye van haar pa en die geheimsinnige afwesigheid van haar ma, Marguérite. Op die plaas weet almal iets, maar niemand praat nie. In die stilte van die wynkelder ontdek Mila egter 'n nuwe passie. Sy vind dat sy nie hoef te ontsnap in karakters nie; sy kan haar siel in haar wyn stort. Haar Chardonnay, L'Inconnue,...

More Than a Movie: Why Nu Metro VIP at Cavendish Is Worth Every Rand By Annette Havenga WomeninMedia Africa They say cinema is dead. They say we watch movies differently now. They say streaming has replaced the magic of the big screen. They say cinemas are no longer relevant. They are wrong. There are experiences that simply cannot be replicated from the comfort of your couch. The anticipation as the lights dim. The hush that falls over the audience. The immersive sound that surrounds you. The larger-than-life visuals that demand your full attention. And when you add luxury seating, exceptional dining and impeccable service, a night at the movies becomes something far greater than entertainment, it becomes an experience. That is exactly what awaits at Nu Metro VIP at Cavendish Square. If you think all cinemas are the same, you haven't experienced Nu Metro VIP at Cavendish. Reclining leather seats, gourmet dining and blockbuster entertainment combine to create one of Cape Town's...

It's Christmas Eve, the first without my Dad and brother. Their places at the Christmas table will remain, well, just places. I'm not home for Christmas this year. Last year was Mom and Dad's turn to visit. I'm cowardly happy that I am not there for this first Christmas without Dad at home. The home he provided, the home he took care of and the home we know.  I don't know how to be home without him. I don't know how to have grown-up emotions and be strong and deal with this. It's just too hard.  Oh, I am well aware of the reality, but the reality hurts and feels unfair and being real is just too hard!  Their silent voices are deafening, their absence a hurtful sight. And somewhere in the middle I try to find the happy memories and the acceptance.  Life will never be the same. Dad and Danie, I miss you soooo much. I HATE that you are gone and I find it so hard to let go. I love you. A