New kykNET series ‘Boekmerk’ celebrates the power of stories and reading

Book lovers, reading groups and curious viewers can look forward to a brand-new television series, Boekmerk, premiering on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) on Wednesday, 14 October at 21:00. Hosted by poet and author Danie Marais, this new magazine-style programme takes viewers on a journey through the world of Afrikaans books, writers and readers. Across 13 episodes, the production team visits established and emerging authors, attends literary discussions, and joins reading groups around South Africa.

The series also explores the books and authors featured on Rapport’s 100 Best Afrikaans Books list. In the first episode, Boekmerk visits the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria to meet Nataniël and contributors to the impressive coffee-table book Bloei + blom. The programme’s panel of literary experts also examines the legacy of Dalene Matthee, while viewers join the Boekekoukus Reading Club in Durbanville as they celebrate pioneering author
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From celebrated literary icons such as Antjie Krog, Etienne van Heerden, Marlene van Niekerk and Karel Schoeman, to contemporary voices including Jaco Jacobs, Gaireyah Fredericks, Jeremy Vearey and Wilna Roux, Boekmerk offers a unique window into the people and stories shaping Afrikaans literature today. According to the producers, Boekmerk is much more than a programme about books. It is a celebration of reading as a living culture that brings people together.

We’ve been talking about this idea for years, and it all started with a column by Antjie Krog. The enthusiasm of the book clubs and reading groups we visited across South Africa was inspiring and encouraging. People are passionate about reading, and we hope Boekmerk will create a ripple effect that encourages more people to come together to talk, laugh and connect through the joy of a good book. – Wicus Pretorius, co-producer of the series

Co-producer and series director Marius van de Wall describes Boekmerk as a dream project:

The challenge was to present it in a fresh way, without it resembling existing magazine programmes, while still creating something viewers could relate to. We wanted to produce a stylish programme with enough substance to feel documentary-like, while remaining entertaining and accessible.

He adds: “This is television for people who have already read the books, but even more importantly for those who haven’t. It therefore needs to appeal to a broad audience. Our visits to various book clubs and reading groups were also incredibly important, because this series belongs first and foremost to the readers and viewers.”

Host Danie Marais says: “The people behind books are often just as fascinating and engaging as their writing. Working on Boekmerk reminded me how much time, energy and love go into writing and producing books, even though books rarely generate significant income for authors or publishers. In our materialistic society, perhaps the most valuable things are those that cannot simply be measured in monetary terms.”

Blending in-depth conversations, documentary storytelling, literary debate and reader experiences, Boekmerk promises to provide a unique television home for books on kykNET and inspire audiences to embark on new reading adventures. Boekmerk premieres on Wednesday, 14 October at 21:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144). Episodes will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.