Christopher Jaftha gets top billing in raunchy Khaki Fever

Khaki Fever premieres on Showmax this Friday, 5 September. In the 18SNL comedy, a group of game rangers challenge each other to see who can hook up with the most tourists during a season, with the winner raking in everyone’s tips - if they don’t get caught and fired first…

The Showmax Original sold out its premiere at Silwerskerm, taking home the Best Supporting Actor prize for Francois Jacobs from its eight nominations. In her four-star review, IOL’s Debashine Thangevelo says the comedy “will leave viewers weak-kneed and breathless from the laughter… Khaki Fever is pure escapism. I haven’t laughed so hard in a while. It’s sexy (those itty-bitty shorts are going to start a new trend), hilarious and thoroughly entertaining... Everyone will never look at game drives the same again.”

SAFTA-nominated former Top Billing presenter Christopher Jaftha tells us more about his breakthrough lead role.

Your character, Daniel, really sets the tone for the movie from the very first scene. What was your first impression when you read the script?

I laughed out loud, which doesn’t happen often. Daniel struck me as a charming, overconfident, slightly ridiculous, yet very lovable character. What hooked me was that, beneath all the bravado and abs, there’s a vulnerability. He’s a showman but there’s depth.

What do you think viewers will make of Daniel? Especially as his layers (and I don’t necessarily mean his clothes!) come off and we get to know him?

[Laughs] Yeah, well, not much clothing to peel off, let’s be honest! But I think audiences will come in expecting a one-dimensional ‘himbo’ and then be surprised. Daniel’s actually got a big heart. He’s competitive and cheeky, sure, but he’s also dealing with his own insecurities. That mix of comedy and heart is what makes him relatable, and, hopefully, memorable.

Director Brett Michael Innes has talked quite a bit about the improvisation on set. Is improvisation something that comes easily or naturally to you?

Improvisation is one of my favourite parts of the craft. A lot of folks don’t know me for comedic roles but when I was younger, I dreamed of being on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Improv is where the real gold lives. Brett gave us so much freedom on set, and that freedom allowed for those spontaneous moments that make the scenes pop. The cast had such great comedic timing, so we were all riffing off each other. It kept us on our toes, and I think that energy comes through on-screen.

It must have been such a fun set. Could you tell us a bit about what you enjoyed about the working environment?

You can’t work that closely in that little clothing without forming a bond! [Laughs] I loved the balance of professionalism and playfulness. Everyone brought their A-game, but there was also space to mess around, try new things, and not take ourselves too seriously. Plus, being in the bush with that kind of scenery, it didn’t feel like work half the time. I also loved being part of something that pokes fun at stereotypes while still celebrating our quirks as South Africans. We laughed a lot. A lot!

The shorts are… short. Were they at least comfortable? Did you make sure to squeeze in an extra leg day workout here and there?

Let’s just say leg day was never skipped during production. Those shorts leave nothing to the imagination. They were ... snug. I became very aware of sunscreen, squats, and ... let’s call it ‘wardrobe security’.

What was it like working with intimacy coordinators?

This wasn’t my first time working with intimacy coordinators, and I had worked with Émil [Haarhoff] and his incredible team before. They always bring a sense of safety, professionalism, and psychological awareness to the process, which helps ground the work. A special shoutout to Carla Classen, who stepped in when Émil wasn’t available; she was phenomenal. They always checked in to see where I was mentally, and if, for any reason, I felt uncomfortable, even after having filmed a scene.

The scenes themselves are far more technical than anyone realises. Once you move past the initial awkwardness – there are exercises to work through this – it’s all about storytelling, not about nudity. What I appreciate about the methods used is that they focus on the psychology behind the performance, which allows you to fully embody the character while leaving it all on the actor’s floor at the end of the day.

In the red scenes, there’s actually a lot of padding and smaller deflated yoga balls, so that there’s never any contact between the artists. When everyone feels safe and everything is in place, then there’s no qualms or stresses to do what is required of the character.

And what did you learn about yourself or regarding your craft as an actor that you can apply going forward?

Well, this film is certainly out of my comfort zone, and anyone who makes it past the first 30 seconds will understand why! So, resilience. And to never judge a book by its cover. Things I’ve always known but it is always good to get a nice little refresher now and then. 

What was it like working with an award-winning director like Brett, who’s won the SAFTA for Best Film twice?

Brett is a force. He’s got such a clear vision but also leaves space for his actors to explore. That kind of trust is rare. He made us feel safe while also pushing us to take risks. You always knew he had your back and that he was quietly watching for those lightning-in-a-bottle moments. He makes great movies because he earns everyone’s trust. Brett is a legend and a brother.

Why should people watch Khaki Fever?

Because it’s wild. It’s funny, sexy, cheeky, and at times unexpectedly tender. The tone of the project, and the way the project was handled, was bold, unapologetic, and full of heart. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but it’s not fluff either. It’ll have you laughing, cringing, and probably googling “game ranger jobs in South Africa” afterwards! This one’s for the bushveld boys, the tourists, and anyone who’s ever fallen for a ranger in short shorts.

Watch the trailer for Khaki Fever

What people are saying

“One of the most buzzed about pieces of content in quite a while.” Thinus Ferreira, News24

“A cheeky and daring comedy where the sexual tension runs almost as high as a Covid temperature… Will surprise the average viewer, make them laugh out loud, and entertain them thoroughly… 4/5.” Roelof Bezuidenhout, Bioskoop

“With Khaki Fever, it is exciting to see how streaming services are reimagining the boundaries of Afrikaans entertainment.” Waldimar Pelser, channel director: Premium Channels, MultiChoice

"There are wonderful words in Afrikaans to describe this sex comedy. Lusty, frisky, horny, wild, bawdy – you name it. The film is meant to be nothing more than fun." Laetitia Pople, Netwerk24