The new South African six-part Netflix series Go!, created by Kutlwano Ditsele and AFDA alumna Thuli Zuma, executive produced by AFDA alumnus Adam Thal, co-written and directed by AFDA alumnus Tristan Holmes, and shot by AFDA alumnus Brendan Barnes, premiered worldwide on Netflix on March 21. Within just one day of its release, the series soared to the No. 1 spot in South Africa and secured the No. 8 ranking among non-English Netflix series globally.
Go! tells the compelling story of a gifted young sprinter who earns a life-changing scholarship to a prestigious school in Johannesburg. As he pursues his dreams of athletic success, he must also confront painful memories and unresolved trauma from his past.
The series follows Siya Gumede, better known as Bolt, as he navigates the fast-paced streets of Hillbrow. Relying on his natural speed, Bolt competes for cash and status while also caring for his ailing mother, all under the looming presence of his older brother, Shuffle, who is deeply entrenched in a life of crime.
“I mean, we always knew the show was gonna be fresh and that it was much needed in the television landscape. It has been a long time since Yizo Yizo, and the response has been amazing. We made the show for black South African youth, and to see them embrace it so positively is incredibly fulfilling. It really brings the project full circle. Teboho Mahlatsi was probably watching over this one from up high,” says writer and director Tristan Holmes, known for his Academy Award-winning short film Elalini and the SAFTA-winning feature film The Fragile King.
Executive producer Adam Thal, known for producing the Oscar-nominated short film The Last Ranger, expressed gratitude for the teamwork that brought the series to life. “There is no ‘I’ in ‘team,’ and film production is 100% teamwork! To the entire crew, cast, suppliers, and collaborators, I say a huge thank you! From our director to our runners, our post supervisor to our equipment suppliers, our medics to our caterers—their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. I deeply appreciate their passion for this project and for the industry as a whole.”
With its gripping storytelling, powerful performances, and authentic representation of South African youth, Go! has clearly struck a chord with audiences both locally and internationally. As it continues to gain global recognition, the series stands as a testament to the depth of talent and storytelling emerging from South Africa’s film and television industry.