Plettenberg Bay Takes Center Stage as Netflix Debuts Highly Anticipated RomCom
Plett Tourism is thrilled to celebrate the official global launch of ‘Yoh! Bestie’, the feature film follow-up to the hit series Yoh! Christmas, which premiered internationally on Netflix on Friday. The story centres around a destination wedding in Knysna with Plett serving as a striking cinematic backdrop, showcasing our iconic coastal beauty and world-class offerings to a global audience.
Created by the powerhouse duo Tiffany and Johnny Barbuzano and produced by BBZee Films, Yoh! Bestie headlines Netflix’s 2026 South African film slate. The movie provides the long-awaited resolution to the cliffhanger ending of Yoh! Christmas, reuniting fans with the beloved Thando (Katlego Lebogang) and Charles (Siya Sepotokele).
A Showcase of the Garden Route
The production utilised Plettenberg Bay’s unique outdoor locations, exquisite hotels and restaurants, and sweeping shorelines to establish the film’s romantic and high-stakes atmosphere. Yoh! Bestie highlights why the Garden Route remains a premier destination for destination weddings, international travelers and major film productions.
“This is a significant milestone for our local industry,” says Linda Packwood of Plett Film, which markets Plett as a destination to the film industry. “Unlike many productions where our scenery stands in for other parts of the world, Yoh! Bestie is actually about Plett. Seeing our airport, our villas, and our coastlines featured as themselves on a global platform like Netflix is a powerful boost for our brand as a premier film destination”.
Bridging Friendship and Romance
The film picks up as Thando, who has long struggled with her “unlucky-in-love” status, is forced to confront deep-seated jealousy when her best friend Charles returns from his travels with a fiancée – providing comedic gold, with heart, along the vein of giving off “My Best Friend’s Wedding” vibes with local flavour. As the wedding preparations begin along the coast, unresolved feelings and buried truths surface, blurring the lines between friendship and love.
Film Highlights:
- Release Date: 6 February 2026 (Streaming Now)
- Lead Cast: Katlego Lebogang (Spinners) and Siya Sepotokele (The River)
- Supporting Cast: Didie Makobane, Kagiso Modupe, Yonda Thomas, and Fikile Mthwalo.
- Production: BBZee Films and InterCityCrew.
Economic Impact and Community Collaboration
Filmed during May, a traditionally quiet period for local tourism, the production brought a vital economic surge to the area. Acting CEO of Plett Tourism, Cindy Wilson-Trollip says: “Film shoots in Plett bring money directly into the local economy, filling beds, hiring cast and crews, feeding teams, and paying for permits and locations. And the free global advertising of our beautiful town keeps on giving long after the cameras pack up.”
The project saw deep collaboration across the community:
- Accommodations: The crew and senior directors were hosted at local landmarks, including The Palms, Plett Villas, and various luxury apartments.
- Logistics & Permits: Cindy Wilson-Trollip of Plett Tourism worked closely with the production team to streamline permits, truck parking, and location access.
- Local Services: Garden Route businesses, including Bee’s Catering and Wild Compass adventure consultancy, were integrated into the production process.
Boosting the Local Creative Economy
The inclusion of Plettenberg Bay in Netflix’s 2026 slate underscores the growing importance of the Garden Route Film Commission and local initiatives in attracting high-profile projects. Productions like Yoh! Bestie not only provides exposure but also stimulates the local economy through hospitality, location scouting, and local crew opportunities.
Plett Tourism invites residents and visitors alike to stream Yoh! Bestie on Netflix today and spot the familiar, breathtaking landscapes of our home on the global screen.
WATCH THE TRAILER:
