Netflix, in collaboration with UNESCO, is preparing to launch six films globally on 29 March 2023. These films, which are based on ancient stories, were created by a new generation of African storytellers.
They were selected as winners after the Netflix & UNESCO ‘African folktales, reimagined’ short film competition. The selected countries were Nigeria, Tanzania, Mauritania, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, while the selected entries underwent a rigorous selection process before being chosen. The winners were awarded USD 25,000 each, and an additional USD 75,000 was provided to cover production costs. The competition aimed to encourage and support the next generation of African storytellers to showcase their talents and celebrate the continent’s rich culture and heritage.
The films are as follows:
- Halima’s Choice (Nigeria): Directed by Korede Azeez and initially titled Adieu, Salut, is the story of a young girl from an isolated Fulani village who unknowingly elopes with an AI to prevent an arranged marriage. The film is produced by Kenneth Gyang and it stars Habiba Ummi Mohammed, Adam Garba, etc.
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy; Language: Hausa.
- Katera of the Punishment Land (Uganda): Produced and directed by Loukman Ali, follows the story of an abandoned, grieving woman who seeks to exact revenge on the powerful man who put her on the island. The film stars Karababiito Tracy, Michael Wawuyo, etc.
Genre: Thriller; Language: Runyankole and English.
3. Anyango and the Ogre (Kenya): With the backdrop of a childhood folktale, 13-year-old Otis attempts to shield his younger siblings from a monster that dwells in their home. Directed by Violin Ogutu and produced by Sarah Hassan, the film casts Trevor Jones Kamau, Sarah Hassan, etc Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and English.
Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and English.
- Katope (Tanzania): A young child with magical roots sets out on a journey to help put an end to the draught that besieges the community, even if it involves risking their own life. It is directed by Walt Mzengi Corey and produced by both Petrus Van Staden and Rebecca Mzengi Corey. Among the cast are Jene Mahenyela Mwalimu and Rahele Matete.
Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and ciGogo.
- Enmity Djinn (Mauritania): Three generations after he was last summoned, an ancient Enmity Djinn finds himself in an unfamiliar city confronted by a familiar enemy. Directed and produced by Mohamed Echkouna, the film stars Zainabou Ahmed Mohamed, Mamadou Mokhtar N’diaye Gueye, etc.
Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: Hassaniya Arabic and French.
- MaMlambo (South Africa): Produced by Albertus and directed by Gcobisa Yako, this tells the story of a mystical river being MaMlambo who watches over the sacred waters of discarded bodies. The cast includes Simphiwe Dana, Zikhona Bali, etc.
Genre: Drama; Language: isiXhosa.
