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Netflix Boosts Investments in South African Film and TV Industry

The streaming giant stated its vested commitment to South Africa’s television and film industry at MipAfrica in Cape Town yesterday, during a panel session entitled See What’s Next on Netflix. By: Theng Min Yee

Netflix revealed details of a series of collaborations with African filmmakers and labels, across both TV and movies, which include original series like Blood & Water, Savage Beauty, and pan-African reality series Young, Famous & African.

One of Netflix’s projects include a multiple-title book adaptation. The production comes as a deal between Netflix, Akin Omotoso, and Ochre Media. While the project is ongoing, the streaming company will also develop multiple titles across various genres and formats with Gambit Films.

Other production houses like Stained Glass Productions will similarly develop book adaptations across a variety of genres, whilst Black Brain Pictures is slated to create both TV series and films for Netflix. The collaborative efforts also sees writer, producer, and director Jayan Moodley sealing a three-picture partnership with Netflix, which will start off with the next instalment of the Kandasamys series.

Apart from these projects, Netflix is also gearing up for its premiere of Miseducation, a young-adult series from Burnt Onion Productions. Set to hit the screens on September 15, it stars Buntu Petse as student Mbali Hadebe, who must reinvent herself after her mother is accused of political corruption.

“Netflix has pioneered a path for the voices of African filmmakers to be expressed globally,” said Bradley Joshua, CEO and executive producer of Gambit Films. “As a company, we are beyond grateful for the growing relationship we are forging.”

Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of content for Middle East and Africa, said: “We are incredibly excited to continue with our investment in South African storytelling and to expand our relationships with these amazing storytellers. These long-term partnerships with local filmmakers have enabled us to uncover unique perspectives and diverse stories from South Africa to entertain our more than 238 million members around the world,”

“This is why we’re committed to investing in South Africa’s creative industry and showcasing the incredible talent the country has to offer,” he added.

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