Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiris Dear Sis Dolly Premieres July 3, 2026, Bringing a Classic South African Column to the Big Screen

South Africa’s cinematic landscape is poised for a cultural touchstone as Tshepiso Chikapa‑Phiri’s feature film, Dear Sis Dolly, opens theatres nationwide on 3 July 2026. The movie reimagines the legendary Sis Dolly column that has been a staple of DRUM Magazine since the 1960s, translating its timeless advice into a contemporary story about mental‑health advocacy in Soweto.

The original column, written by a rotating group of writers, offered a blend of wit, wisdom and social commentary that resonated with readers across generations. Chikapa‑Phiri, who grew up listening to her mother and sister read the weekly pieces, says the column’s enduring relevance inspired her to bring the narrative to film. Over five years, the screenplay was crafted to reflect today’s conversations around mental wellness while preserving the column’s spirit of empathy and empowerment.

Chikapa‑Phiri’s journey to the director’s chair is rooted in a diverse entertainment background. After earning a degree in politics and economics from the University of Cape Town, she entered the music world, working at the North Sea Jazz Festival and later at the Sithengi Film Festival, where she decided to pursue producing. In 2014, she and her husband, Joel, founded Known Associates Group with a vision to create a South African studio capable of competing on the global stage. The company now operates offices in Spain and Malta and has produced several high‑profile titles, including Universal Studios’ Beast, where Chikapa‑Phiri served as local production executive, and The Woman King, an additional crew member on a film starring Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu. Known Associates Entertainment also produced the award‑winning Death of a Whistleblower and the crime‑comedy The Drop.

Dear Sis Dolly stars Didintle Khunou as the film’s protagonist, a young mental‑health advocate who runs a counselling centre in Soweto and aspires to become the next agony aunt for DRUM. The supporting cast features seasoned actors such as Abigail Khubeka, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Dineo Langa, Natasha Thanahe, and Jerry Mofokeng wa Makgetha. Production notes emphasize that the film is not a nostalgic recreation; instead, it offers a fresh, modern take on a cultural touchstone that has long shaped South African discourse.

The film’s release is scheduled for a wide cinema rollout on 3 July 2026, with no additional distribution plans announced at this time. While the project’s scope remains focused on South African audiences, Chikapa‑Phiri’s track record suggests the potential for international interest, especially given her previous work on globally distributed titles.

In summary, Dear Sis Dolly represents a significant moment for South African cinema: a celebrated magazine column transformed into a feature film that tackles contemporary mental‑health issues. The project showcases Tshepiso Chikapa‑Phiri’s continued commitment to socially relevant storytelling and her growing influence as a producer through Known Associates Entertainment.