The new highly anticipated MNet crime series Devil’s Peak, based on the best-selling 2004 novel by South African writer Deon Meyer and directed by multi award-winning AFDA alumnus, Jozua Malherbe, airs on Sunday, October 29, at 8pm on M-Net. It will be live-streamed on DStv Stream and is available on DStv Catch Up after broadcast.
Devil’s Peak follows broken detective Benny Griesel (Hilton Pelser). Benny is on a mission to track down the vigilante serial killer Thobela Mpayiheli (played by Sisanda Henna) – who is known as the Assegai Killer as his crimes capture the city.
AFDA alumna Shamilla Miller plays the role of Anna Griessel – A fearless journalist married to Benny Griessel while AFDA Cape Town Screen Acting lecturer Gérard Rudolf portrays Boef Beukes – An experienced SAPS officer brought into Benny’s Assegai Killer investigation.
In an interview with Taggedonline.co.za director Jozua Malherbe talks about working with the actors on Devil’s Peak “What makes a show like this special is that each actor had enough room to portray something that is close to their hearts. I believe in giving the actors a large amount of freedom to experiment all creative possibilities. We really took an approach of building a story within a story. That had an immediate visceral punch to it and it was so fulfilling to work with a talent who understands that.”
Shamilla Miller explains how many SA women may relate to her role as Anna in an interview with TheSouthAfrican.com. “I think people are going to relate to the struggles of having to be the strongest person in the room. Trying to hold it together and struggling through exhaustion, not having a proper support system. We don’t see other family around her, we don’t see Anna around friends, we see her alone in this world. And it is a dark place to be but I think it just happens in society. I think that women are going through similar struggles are going to see her on the screen and think I know what that feels like.”
“MNet is proud to bring our viewers a first-class global production with deep local roots. This is a story that could only have played out in SA, where the dark underworld of crime pierces – on an almost daily basis – the bubble in which those who can, seek security and comfort,” says Waldimar Pelser, MNet Director for Premium Channels.
Devil’s Peak is produced by Lookout Point and Expanded Media Productions in association with MultiChoice Studios and BBC Studios Distribution.
BBC Studios, who own Lookout Point, will also distribute the series internationally.
