By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: A powerful celebration of legacy and lived truth — Dear Sis Dolly lights up the screen as South African storytelling takes centre stage, honouring resilience, memory, and the voices that continue to shape a nation’s cultural heartbeat. Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, 24 June 2026 — The red carpet at Nu Metro Cinema lit up in full glamour last night as Dear Sis Dolly made its star-studded VIP premiere, drawing a powerful mix of industry leaders, cultural icons, media personalities and film enthusiasts for an evening that blended celebration with reflection.
Now showing at Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide, the film has already positioned itself as one of South Africa’s most emotionally resonant releases of the year — a tribute to legacy, community, and the enduring voice of Sis Dolly, Liz Khumalo.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Flashing cameras, animated interviews, and red-carpet elegance set the tone for a night that felt less like a screening and more like a cultural homecoming. Cast members, producers, and celebrated guests moved through the carpet engaging with media, reflecting the growing anticipation around a film that has sparked national conversation.
A Story Rooted in Heritage and Healing
Directed by Twiggy Matiwana and written by Makganwana Mokgalong, Dear Sis Dolly draws inspiration from Drum Magazine’s iconic agony aunt column — a cultural touchstone that gave voice to generations of South Africans navigating love, identity, hardship, and hope.
Anchored by award-winning actress Didintle Khunou, the ensemble cast includes S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Dineo Langa, Natasha Thahane, Brighton Ngoma, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, and Abigail Kubeka, among others. The film is produced by Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri, Moroba Nkawe and Joel Chikapa Phiri under Known Associates Entertainment, with executive production by advertising veteran Peter Vundla.
Together, they bring to life a narrative that is both intimate and historically grounded — a cinematic tribute to resilience, self-love, and the cultural weight of storytelling in South Africa.
Industry Heavyweights Gather in Celebration
The premiere attracted a notable guest list, including performers, creatives and media figures such as Tresor, Criselda Kananda, Kenneth Nkosi, Tsholo Mashishi, Nonhle Thema, Zikhona Sodlaka, Kgomotso Christopher and Happy Ntsingila, among others.
Inside the cinema, anticipation gave way to emotional engagement as the audience experienced a story that blends personal struggle with collective memory. Conversations throughout the evening consistently returned to one theme: the importance of preserving South African narratives that reflect real lived experience.
“A Reminder of Hope in Difficult Times”
In speeches preceding the screening, producers emphasised the urgency of telling stories that speak directly to South Africa’s social realities — from unemployment and mental health struggles to the resilience of women navigating economic hardship.
Producer Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri described the film as a message of endurance in uncertain times.
“Stories like Dear Sis Dolly remind us that ordinary people can overcome extraordinary challenges. At a time when so many South Africans are facing uncertainty, Sis Dolly’s legacy offers hope, inspiration and a sense of possibility.”
The sentiment resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom described the film as both timely and necessary.
A Moment of Reflection from a Living Legend
One of the evening’s most moving moments came during the post-screening Q&A with cast and creatives, where veteran actress Abigail Kubeka reflected on her six-decade career in the arts.
“After more than 60 years in this industry, I am still learning,” Kubeka said. “Every project teaches me something new. It is important for those of us who have travelled this journey to share our knowledge with the younger generation.”
Her remarks drew applause and underscored one of the film’s underlying themes: the importance of mentorship and intergenerational storytelling in South Africa’s creative industry.
Honouring the Original Sis Dolly
In attendance was Liz Khumalo, the first Black female Editor-in-Chief of Drum magazine and the inspiration behind Sis Dolly. She expressed deep appreciation for the film’s respectful and authentic portrayal of her journey and legacy.
Khumalo praised the production for preserving the emotional truth of her story while honouring the broader cultural significance of Drum magazine in shaping South African media and identity.
A Film That Speaks Beyond the Screen
As the evening concluded, audience reactions pointed to a film that transcends entertainment — one that invites reflection on identity, resilience and collective history. Many guests described being visibly moved, with conversations continuing long after the credits rolled.
What emerged most clearly from the premiere is that Dear Sis Dolly is not simply a biographical retelling or period tribute. It is a cinematic reminder of the power of South African stories to heal, inspire and connect generations.
With its nationwide cinema release now underway, early audience response suggests that Dear Sis Dolly is poised to become one of the defining South African films of the year — a testament to a legacy that continues to echo far beyond the pages of history.
