Netflix reveals slate of South African originals and content partnerships

Netflix revealed a new slate of upcoming South African originals series and films, and confirmed multi-title partnerships with local filmmakers and production houses. 

At their 'See What's Next on Netflix' panel at the MIP Africa conference, 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."

Some of the projects previewed include Miseducation (pictured), a new young adult series from Burnt Onion Productions debuting on September 15, Yoh’ Christmas, produced by Johnny Barbuzano, Tiffany Barbuzano and Morishe Matlejoane for BBZEE Productions, and Blood & Water season 4 by writer and director Nosipho Dumisa and Gambit Films. 

They also revealed that production will begin on Young, Famous & African season 3, the pan-African reality series will feature an all-star cast from South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda.

About their multi-title partnerships with South African filmmakers and production houses, Netflix said: "This is the most significant expansion so far as Netflix ramps up investment in the South African film and television industry." The partnerships include:

• Mandla Dube. Initially announced in 2022 and the first deal of its kind with a South African filmmaker, acclaimed writer, producer and director, Mandla Dube partnered with Netflix on a three-picture deal, the first project of which, Heart of the Hunter, will be coming to Netflix in the first quarter of 2024.
• Akin Omotoso and Ochre Media for a multiple-title book adaptation partnership.
• Director Donovan Marsh for a three-picture film partnership, the first of which was the recently released Netflix film, iNumber Number: Fool’s Gold.
• Film and TV production company Gambit Films for a multi-title partnership across various genres and formats (series and films). The team at Gambit Films is behind the hit Netflix South Africa series Blood & Water and Unseen, starring Gail Mabalane.
• Writer, producer and director Jayan Moodley (The Kandasamys franchise) for a three-picture partnership starting off with Kandasamys: The Baby, currently in production in Durban, South Africa and Mauritius.
• Production house Stained Glass Productions, led by producers Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Pepsi Pokane, for a multi-title book adaptation partnership across a variety of genres.
• Producers Mandla Ngcongwane and Mpumelelo Nhlapo and their award-winning production house, Black Brain Pictures, for a multi-title partnership for films and series