Nigerian filmmakers, Akin Omotoso and Kunle Afolayan’s latest projects ‘The Brave Ones’ and ‘Anikulapo’ are among African originals rolled out by streaming giant, Netflix, presenting a showcase of local-language series, feature films and non-fiction projects produced in Africa scheduled to premiere later this year and in early 2023.
The films alongside others from the continent were unveiled at Netflix’s See What’s Next Africa 2022/23 content showcase on Tuesday, which brought together talents, filmmakers and journalists from South Africa and Nigeria.
The event was designed to spotlight Netflix’s investment in African storytelling.
‘The Brave Ones’ comes from director, writer and actor Akin Omotoso and is billed as a “supernatural drama series. It is set in modern-day South Africa and is inspired by African folklore.” It launches on September 16, with more details released in the next coming days. It features Sthandile Nkosi, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Bonko Khoza and Tony Kgoroge.
‘Anikulapo’ forms part of Netflix’s multi-title agreement with multi-hyphenate Afolayan. Its synopsis reads: “A one of a kind mystical folklore drama revolving around the life of Saro, a young zealous man seeking greener pasture in the great Oyo Kingdom. However, unfolding events and his illicit affair with the king’s wife, Arolake, leads to his untimely death and encounter with Akala, a mystical bird believed to give and take life.”
It stars Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Aisha Lawal, Debo Adedayo (Mr. Macaroni) and Yinka Quadri, among others. The film will launch on September 30.
Speaking at the event, Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix’s Director of Series in Africa, said: “We believe that Africa is one of the major creative centres for great storytelling that resonates around the world so it only makes sense for us to increase our investment with our slate with an even more exciting slate. We’re proud to continue creating global opportunities for the talented creatives of this great continent and sharing their authentic stories with our members in Africa and around the world.”
Between January to June 2022, Netflix has debuted African content including South African action film Silverton Siege; soapy drama series Savage Beauty; a first series licensed from Kenya, Country Queen, the first Netflix-owned Nigerian series Blood Sisters; South African crime documentary Senzo: Murder Of A Soccer Star and most recently, Justice Served.
Tendeka Matatu, Director of Local Language Films in Africa said: “With an ever-growing slate of series, movies and licensed content across a rich variety of best-in-class content across genres, we want to give our members more moments to share the joy that comes from being immersed in great stories made in Africa, to be watched by the world.”
