The Lion King is, as everyone knows, one of the most beloved Disney animated features. A true classic, the movie is considered to be one of Disney’s best animated movies. Back in 2019, Disney produced a live-action CGI remake of The Lion King, which turned out to be a solid success for the House of the Mouse, and we know a prequel, titled Mufasa: The Lion King, will premiere later this year. This is a highly anticipated project, which is why we have decided to provide you with a report on the upcoming movie.
In this report, as you might have guessed, we are going to bring you all that we know about the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King movie in one place. You are going to find out all that we know about the movie’s release date, runtime, plot, trailer, and cast ahead of the upcoming premiere. This...
In this report, as you might have guessed, we are going to bring you all that we know about the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King movie in one place. You are going to find out all that we know about the movie’s release date, runtime, plot, trailer, and cast ahead of the upcoming premiere. This...
- 5/8/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
El elenco de voces incluye a Beyoncé y a su hija. © Disney
Ya se ha publicado el primer tráiler y póster de “Mufasa: El Rey León”, la nueva película, la precuela de animación fotorrealista del remake de la película de 1994 “El Rey León”, que se estrenó en 2019.
En “Mufasa: El Rey León”, Rafiki debe transmitir la leyenda de Mufasa a la joven cachorro de león Kiara, hija de Simba y Nala, con Timón y Pumba aportando su estilo característico. La historia se cuenta en flashbacks y presenta a Mufasa como un cachorro huérfano, perdido y solo hasta que conoce a un simpático león llamado Taka, heredero de un linaje real. Este encuentro fortuito pone en marcha el viaje de un extraordinario grupo de inadaptados que buscan su destino y sus lazos se pondrán a prueba mientras trabajan juntos para escapar de un enemigo amenazador y letal.
Las voces que dan...
Ya se ha publicado el primer tráiler y póster de “Mufasa: El Rey León”, la nueva película, la precuela de animación fotorrealista del remake de la película de 1994 “El Rey León”, que se estrenó en 2019.
En “Mufasa: El Rey León”, Rafiki debe transmitir la leyenda de Mufasa a la joven cachorro de león Kiara, hija de Simba y Nala, con Timón y Pumba aportando su estilo característico. La historia se cuenta en flashbacks y presenta a Mufasa como un cachorro huérfano, perdido y solo hasta que conoce a un simpático león llamado Taka, heredero de un linaje real. Este encuentro fortuito pone en marcha el viaje de un extraordinario grupo de inadaptados que buscan su destino y sus lazos se pondrán a prueba mientras trabajan juntos para escapar de un enemigo amenazador y letal.
Las voces que dan...
- 5/2/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
The highly anticipated film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” is slated for a theatrical release on December 20, promising to enchant cinema-goers with the untold origin story of one of Disney’s most revered characters. Directed by the acclaimed Barry Jenkins and utilizing a blend of live-action techniques alongside photorealistic CGI, the film aims to breathe new life into the majestic Pride Lands.
This narrative voyage introduces us to Mufasa as an orphaned cub who finds an unlikely family after a fateful encounter with Taka, a young lion prince destined for greatness. Amid a backdrop of sweeping landscapes, the story unfolds through vivid flashbacks narrated by Rafiki to Kiara, the next generation of the regal lineage. As Mufasa’s tale progresses, viewers are taken on an expansive odyssey that explores themes of destiny, unity, and resilience.
Adding depth and vibrancy to the saga is an ensemble cast featuring Aaron Pierre as Mufasa,...
This narrative voyage introduces us to Mufasa as an orphaned cub who finds an unlikely family after a fateful encounter with Taka, a young lion prince destined for greatness. Amid a backdrop of sweeping landscapes, the story unfolds through vivid flashbacks narrated by Rafiki to Kiara, the next generation of the regal lineage. As Mufasa’s tale progresses, viewers are taken on an expansive odyssey that explores themes of destiny, unity, and resilience.
Adding depth and vibrancy to the saga is an ensemble cast featuring Aaron Pierre as Mufasa,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Martha Lucas
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
The first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King was released online yesterday, and when director Barry Jenkins took to social media to share the teaser, he opened himself up for quite a bit of criticism.
There seems to be a perception that Jenkins, who was nominated for an Academy Award for 2016's Best Picture winner Moonlight before going on to helm the critically-acclaimed If Beale Street Could Talk, has "sold out" by directing Disney's The Lion King prequel, which is seen by many as little more than a soulless cash-grab.
One response stated that Jenkins was "too good and talented for [Bob] Iger's soulless machine," while another - from someone who actually interviewed him when Moonlight premiered at TIFF - said the following:
"Come on man. I interviewed you when you premiered Moonlight at TIFF, and that Barry Jenkins wouldn’t have said what you just said. You can do a Disney movie for the check,...
There seems to be a perception that Jenkins, who was nominated for an Academy Award for 2016's Best Picture winner Moonlight before going on to helm the critically-acclaimed If Beale Street Could Talk, has "sold out" by directing Disney's The Lion King prequel, which is seen by many as little more than a soulless cash-grab.
One response stated that Jenkins was "too good and talented for [Bob] Iger's soulless machine," while another - from someone who actually interviewed him when Moonlight premiered at TIFF - said the following:
"Come on man. I interviewed you when you premiered Moonlight at TIFF, and that Barry Jenkins wouldn’t have said what you just said. You can do a Disney movie for the check,...
- 4/30/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Disney has debuted a teaser trailer for the highly anticipated prequel animation ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.
The movie enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, the voice cast includes Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu,...
The movie enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, the voice cast includes Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki, Preston Nyman as Zazu,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Blue Ivy Carter has been cast as Kiara in 'Mufasa: The Lion King'.The 12-year-old star will voice the daughter of her real life mother Beyonce's character Nala in the highly anticipated Disney prequel revealing how Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) became King of the Pride Lands.The first trailer was released on Monday (29.04.24.) confirming Blue Ivy as Nala (Beyonce) and Simba's (Donald Glover) daughter Kiara.The story will be told through the lens of Simba, Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), while John Kani will reprise his role as Refiki with Kagiso Lediga voicing a young version of the mandrill.Director Barry Jenkins has explained the decision to cast Blue Ivy in the movie, and noted he first realised her vocal talents in the audiobook for Matt A. Cherry's 'Hair Love'.He told Empire magazine: "She did an absolutely amazing job. She just felt like this really curious young person.
- 4/30/2024
- by Alistair McGeorge
- Bang Showbiz
Disney released the first official trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King Monday, featuring a young and scruffy Mufasa’s rise as king of Pride Lands.
Mufasa: The Lion King marks the prequel to the 2019 live-action remake The Lion King, where Donald Glover and Beyoncé took on the roles of adult Simba and Nala, respectively. In the Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) prequel, Blue Ivy Carter joins the cast as the young lioness Kiara, the daughter of King Simba (Glover) and Queen Nala (Beyoncé). In Mufasa: The Lion King, which blends live-action filmmaking with photo-realistic,...
Mufasa: The Lion King marks the prequel to the 2019 live-action remake The Lion King, where Donald Glover and Beyoncé took on the roles of adult Simba and Nala, respectively. In the Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) prequel, Blue Ivy Carter joins the cast as the young lioness Kiara, the daughter of King Simba (Glover) and Queen Nala (Beyoncé). In Mufasa: The Lion King, which blends live-action filmmaking with photo-realistic,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
The Lion King is, as everyone knows, one of the most beloved Disney animated features. A true classic, the movie is considered to be one of Disney’s best animated movies. Back in 2019, Disney produced a live-action CGI remake of The Lion King, which turned out to be a solid success for the House of the Mouse, and we know a prequel, titled Mufasa: The Lion King, will premiere in cinemas on December 20, 2024, as an early Christmas gift for all fans. We have recently reported that the first teaser trailer for the movie was shown at this year’s CinemaCon, and we are happy to report that the trailer is finally out and that we will bring it to you here.
We know that the upcoming movie is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins, but details have been scarce until today, when the trailer was finally released and we can...
We know that the upcoming movie is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins, but details have been scarce until today, when the trailer was finally released and we can...
- 4/29/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Mufasa: The Lion KingPhoto: Walt Disney Studios
If no one was asking for a live-action Lion King remake, then really no one—maybe even negative people—were asking for a live-action Lion King remake prequel. Even burgeoning auteur Barry Jenkins sounded a little confused about how he ended up...
If no one was asking for a live-action Lion King remake, then really no one—maybe even negative people—were asking for a live-action Lion King remake prequel. Even burgeoning auteur Barry Jenkins sounded a little confused about how he ended up...
- 4/29/2024
- by Mary Kate Carr
- avclub.com
The first teaser trailer for Disney’s “The Lion King” prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” ended with a surprise reveal. The upcoming photo-real live-action animated feature, directed by “Moonlight” Oscar winner Barry Jenkins, will feature new music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Emmy Award-, Grammy Award-, and Tony Award-winning artist who is one Oscar away from becoming a member of the Egot club.
“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years. ‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it,” Miranda said in a statement. “It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t...
“Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years. ‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it,” Miranda said in a statement. “It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life, and we can’t...
- 4/29/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Barry Jenkins’ “The Lion King” prequel has unveiled its first footage.
Following Jenkins’ appearance at the Disney panel at CinemaCon, the story of the unlikely rise of the titular king of the Pride Lands comes to life. “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki (John Kani) to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), daughter of Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter), with Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) lending their signature schtick.
Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny.
The cast also includes Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Kagiso Lediga, Tiffany Boone, Lennie James,...
Following Jenkins’ appearance at the Disney panel at CinemaCon, the story of the unlikely rise of the titular king of the Pride Lands comes to life. “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki (John Kani) to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), daughter of Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter), with Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) lending their signature schtick.
Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny.
The cast also includes Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Kagiso Lediga, Tiffany Boone, Lennie James,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
"The earth will shake... destiny awaits you." Disney has unveiled the teaser trailer for the Mufasa: The Lion King movie, from director Barry Jenkins (of Moonlight & If Beale Street Could Talk) jumping into the world of Disney for his next story. The prequel about the rise of one of the greatest kings of the Pride Lands, returns to the African savanna where Rafiki tells Kiara about her grandfather. Told with flashbacks, we're introduced to Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost & alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny. With the voices of Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, John Kani as Rafiki. Plus a big ensemble cast: Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Disney on Monday released the first trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, the music-filled film serves as both an origin story and follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic movie The Lion King. That film was based on the 1994 Disney animated classic of the same name.
Along with the trailer release, it was revealed that Blue Ivy Carter will make her film debut voicing Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala, while her mother, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, will reprise her role as Nala from the 2019 film.
The new film, which hits theaters Dec. 20, will tell the backstory of Simba’s father, Mufasa, an orphan who grew up to be a wise, powerful and compassionate ruler.
The official logline is as follows: “Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick.
Directed by Barry Jenkins, the music-filled film serves as both an origin story and follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic movie The Lion King. That film was based on the 1994 Disney animated classic of the same name.
Along with the trailer release, it was revealed that Blue Ivy Carter will make her film debut voicing Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala, while her mother, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, will reprise her role as Nala from the 2019 film.
The new film, which hits theaters Dec. 20, will tell the backstory of Simba’s father, Mufasa, an orphan who grew up to be a wise, powerful and compassionate ruler.
The official logline is as follows: “Mufasa: The Lion King enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick.
- 4/29/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney unveiled a first look at Mufasa: The Lion King, the new film coming to theaters on December 20 that explores the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands.
Announced this morning is an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life—plus, celebrated award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing the film’s songs produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with additional music and performances by Lebo M.
Said Miranda, “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years.
“‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life,...
Announced this morning is an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life—plus, celebrated award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing the film’s songs produced by Mark Mancina and Miranda, with additional music and performances by Lebo M.
Said Miranda, “Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on ‘The Lion Guard,’ and so many musical contributors over the years.
“‘The Lion King’ has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I’m humbled and proud to be a part of it. It’s been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa’s story to life,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Disney has released the first trailer for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake of “The Lion King,” and revealed that Blue Ivy Carter has joined the voice cast.
From “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, “Mufasa” will explore the titular lion’s origin story, depicting his childhood with his brother Taka aka Scar, who becomes the main antagonist in “The Lion King.” Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. will voice the younger versions of Mufasa and Scar, respectively. James Earl Jones voiced Mufasa in both the 1994 original film and 2019 remake. Jeremy Irons voiced Scar in 1994, while Chiwetel Ejiofor took over in 2019.
Many members of the 2019 voice cast are returning, including John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, will play Kiara, the daughter of King Samba and Queen Nala.
From “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, “Mufasa” will explore the titular lion’s origin story, depicting his childhood with his brother Taka aka Scar, who becomes the main antagonist in “The Lion King.” Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. will voice the younger versions of Mufasa and Scar, respectively. James Earl Jones voiced Mufasa in both the 1994 original film and 2019 remake. Jeremy Irons voiced Scar in 1994, while Chiwetel Ejiofor took over in 2019.
Many members of the 2019 voice cast are returning, including John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala. Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, will play Kiara, the daughter of King Samba and Queen Nala.
- 4/29/2024
- by Caroline Brew and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader who went from 27 years as a political prisoner to eventually becoming the first president of a free South Africa, will be the subject of the 30-hour scripted TV series “Mandela.” The project is currently the works at writer/producer Josh Wakely’s Grace: A Storytelling Company shingle.
Wakely has secured the TV series life rights to the late Mandela via House of Mandela Entertainment, the media arm of the Mandela estate. Wakely will executive produce and write “Mandela,” along with South African writer/director Kagiso Lediga (“Queen Sono”) and producer Kweku Mandela (who is also Nelson Mandela’s grandson).
The project, which Wakely compares to a multi-season saga in the vein of Netflix’s “The Crown,” will center on Mandela’s life as he was sent to prison while aiming to end apartheid, the system of institutional racism and segregation that was administered in South Africa for generations.
Wakely has secured the TV series life rights to the late Mandela via House of Mandela Entertainment, the media arm of the Mandela estate. Wakely will executive produce and write “Mandela,” along with South African writer/director Kagiso Lediga (“Queen Sono”) and producer Kweku Mandela (who is also Nelson Mandela’s grandson).
The project, which Wakely compares to a multi-season saga in the vein of Netflix’s “The Crown,” will center on Mandela’s life as he was sent to prison while aiming to end apartheid, the system of institutional racism and segregation that was administered in South Africa for generations.
- 3/19/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Christine Horn and Sule Rimi have been tapped to star in Kagiso Lediga’s newly titled Amazon Freevee series Classified (fka Untitled Kagiso Lediga), a coming-of-age drama from Skybound Galactic, a joint venture between Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television, and Johannesburg-based producer Diprente. Horn and Rimi join previously announced lead Imani Pullum. The series will premiere in the U.S. on Amazon Freevee.
Created by Lediga, the eight-episode series follows 15-year-old Ella Gardner (Pullum), a student at a public school in Oakland, California. Arrested at a protest and facing serious jail time, Ella avoids incarceration, but as part of the deal, Ella must leave her home in California and spend the remainder of her secondary education with her family in Johannesburg. Ella’s world is turned upside down as she navigates a very different reality than the one she has known.
Created by Lediga, the eight-episode series follows 15-year-old Ella Gardner (Pullum), a student at a public school in Oakland, California. Arrested at a protest and facing serious jail time, Ella avoids incarceration, but as part of the deal, Ella must leave her home in California and spend the remainder of her secondary education with her family in Johannesburg. Ella’s world is turned upside down as she navigates a very different reality than the one she has known.
- 3/1/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rising young actor Imani Pullum has been cast as the lead in Amazon Freevee’s coming-of-age drama Untitled Kagiso Lediga Project. The eight-episode series hails from Queen Sono creator Lediga, Skybound Galactic, a joint venture between Skybound Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television, and Johannesburg-based producer Diprente.
Pullum will play the lead role of Ella Gardner in the eight-episode series which will premiere in the U.S. on Amazon Freevee.
Created by Lediga, the coming-of-age drama follows 15-year-old Ella, a student at a public school in Oakland, California. Gifted with a flowing tongue, Ella is a weaver of yarns. A skateboarder with a skillful street style, she is a firebrand—defiant and rebellious in nature. Arrested at a protest and facing serious jail time, Ella avoids incarceration thanks to her stepmother, Dianne, who has connections in high places. As part of the deal, Ella must...
Pullum will play the lead role of Ella Gardner in the eight-episode series which will premiere in the U.S. on Amazon Freevee.
Created by Lediga, the coming-of-age drama follows 15-year-old Ella, a student at a public school in Oakland, California. Gifted with a flowing tongue, Ella is a weaver of yarns. A skateboarder with a skillful street style, she is a firebrand—defiant and rebellious in nature. Arrested at a protest and facing serious jail time, Ella avoids incarceration thanks to her stepmother, Dianne, who has connections in high places. As part of the deal, Ella must...
- 11/10/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon Freevee has given a series greenlight to a coming-of-age drama from Queen Sono creator Kagiso Lediga and writer Camilo Saloojee, Skybound Galactic, a part of Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment, Johannesburg-based producer Diprente and Sony Pictures Television.
Created by Lediga and Saloojee, the eight-episode Untitled Kagiso Lediga series follows Ella Gardner as her life is turned upside down when she is uprooted from her native Oakland, California to Johannesburg, South Africa to live with her estranged father and his new family. Immersed in a complex world and culture that she knows little about, Ella will discover her true path on her quest to return home.
The series is written by Lediga, who also directs, Saloojee, Meja Shoba, Christopher Steenkamp, and Nomawonga Khumalo. Diprente’s Lediga and Tamsin Andersson executive produce with Skybound’s, Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Rick Jacobs, Sean Furst and Bryan Furst. The series is produced by Skybound Galactic and Diprente.
Created by Lediga and Saloojee, the eight-episode Untitled Kagiso Lediga series follows Ella Gardner as her life is turned upside down when she is uprooted from her native Oakland, California to Johannesburg, South Africa to live with her estranged father and his new family. Immersed in a complex world and culture that she knows little about, Ella will discover her true path on her quest to return home.
The series is written by Lediga, who also directs, Saloojee, Meja Shoba, Christopher Steenkamp, and Nomawonga Khumalo. Diprente’s Lediga and Tamsin Andersson executive produce with Skybound’s, Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Rick Jacobs, Sean Furst and Bryan Furst. The series is produced by Skybound Galactic and Diprente.
- 11/2/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Impact X Capital, a Black entrepreneur owned venture capital firm seeking to invest £100 million ($137 million) for underrepresented entrepreneurs, is launching Impact X Studios to fund, develop and package international content with an focus on diversity and inclusion.
A creative capital vehicle for underrepresented talent, Impact X Studios is being launched by Erica Motley, a well-connected TV industry veteran who is creative partner at Impact X, and Eric Collins, the CEO of Impact X who is also a tech entrepreneur and investor.
“Impact X was launched for founders from underrepresented communities – mainly Black and female entrepreneurs – and now we’re aiming to do the same for the creative content industry in Europe, Africa and the Carribeans,” said Motley, who pointed out that the recent success of “Bridgerton” and “Lupin,” two shows with Black protagonists, are game-changers as they show that there is a “massive audience for distinctive storytelling with multicultural characters.
A creative capital vehicle for underrepresented talent, Impact X Studios is being launched by Erica Motley, a well-connected TV industry veteran who is creative partner at Impact X, and Eric Collins, the CEO of Impact X who is also a tech entrepreneur and investor.
“Impact X was launched for founders from underrepresented communities – mainly Black and female entrepreneurs – and now we’re aiming to do the same for the creative content industry in Europe, Africa and the Carribeans,” said Motley, who pointed out that the recent success of “Bridgerton” and “Lupin,” two shows with Black protagonists, are game-changers as they show that there is a “massive audience for distinctive storytelling with multicultural characters.
- 4/9/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has canceled its first African original series Queen Sono after one season, reversing the renewal it confirmed back in April.
The streamer didn’t detail the reasons behind its decision but Deadline understands the second series would have shot in multiple countries across the African continent which would have been more challenging during a pandemic. A statement from the director and creator Kagiso Lediga suggested it was pandemic-related.
“We wrote a beautiful story that spanned the continent but unfortunately could not be executed in these current trying times,” he said.
On Twitter, Lediga added that his show’s cancellation was “another casualty of 2020.”
The series centered on a highly trained spy who takes on dangerous missions while also facing challenges in her personal life. The second season was set to see her search for the truth as her newfound need for revenge takes her on a mission across Africa.
The streamer didn’t detail the reasons behind its decision but Deadline understands the second series would have shot in multiple countries across the African continent which would have been more challenging during a pandemic. A statement from the director and creator Kagiso Lediga suggested it was pandemic-related.
“We wrote a beautiful story that spanned the continent but unfortunately could not be executed in these current trying times,” he said.
On Twitter, Lediga added that his show’s cancellation was “another casualty of 2020.”
The series centered on a highly trained spy who takes on dangerous missions while also facing challenges in her personal life. The second season was set to see her search for the truth as her newfound need for revenge takes her on a mission across Africa.
- 12/1/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Another Netflix series bites the dust.
The streamer has officially pulled the plug on its first African original series, Queen Sono, despite previously picking up a second season.
South African news outlet Channel24 has revealed the cancellation comes due to production challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’ve made the difficult decision not to move forward with season 2 of Queen Sono,” Netflix said in a statement.
“A huge thank you to our fans across the world for the love shared for our first African Original series.
“Netflix is also grateful to the… cast and crew for their stellar efforts in creating this show for our members around the world,” the statement continued.
“We’ll continue to work closely with South Africa’s creative industry to keep producing more compelling ‘Made-in-South Africa’ stories.”
Series creator Kagiso Lediga also released a statement, which read: “We wrote a beautiful story that...
The streamer has officially pulled the plug on its first African original series, Queen Sono, despite previously picking up a second season.
South African news outlet Channel24 has revealed the cancellation comes due to production challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’ve made the difficult decision not to move forward with season 2 of Queen Sono,” Netflix said in a statement.
“A huge thank you to our fans across the world for the love shared for our first African Original series.
“Netflix is also grateful to the… cast and crew for their stellar efforts in creating this show for our members around the world,” the statement continued.
“We’ll continue to work closely with South Africa’s creative industry to keep producing more compelling ‘Made-in-South Africa’ stories.”
Series creator Kagiso Lediga also released a statement, which read: “We wrote a beautiful story that...
- 12/1/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Netflix’s Queen Sono has been dethroned: The streamer has cancelled its first African original series despite previously renewing it for Season 2.
According to South African news outlet Channel24, the renewal was rescinded due to production challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
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“We’ve made the difficult decision not to...
According to South African news outlet Channel24, the renewal was rescinded due to production challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
More from TVLineUmbrella Academy's Elliot Page Comes Out as Transgender: 'I Can't Begin to Express How Remarkable It Feels'The Crown's Helena Bonham Carter: Series Has 'Moral Responsibility' to Label Itself as DramatizationVirgin River Boss Breaks Down Season 2 Finale's Biggest Cliffhangers: What's Next for Jack, Doc and More Favorites?
“We’ve made the difficult decision not to...
- 12/1/2020
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
The streaming giant’s ambitious initiative Made By Africa, Watched By the World is a welcome platform for the continent’s overlooked cinematic talent
‘Have you ever had someone tell your story, take your voice … and replace your face until no one else can see or hear you?” These are the powerful words that Nigerian actor/director Genevieve Nnaji speaks to introduce the Netflix initiative Made By Africa, Watched By the World. Mixing new, original content with older African classics that have not previously been streamed elsewhere, this initiative, much like Strong Black Lead (2018), aims to showcase content that centres black stories but – unlike Strong Black Lead – it will be by and about Africans. It creates a path for stories that specifically address different slices of the African experience to see the light of day and reach a wider audience. Considering that there’s a growing feeling among Africans that...
‘Have you ever had someone tell your story, take your voice … and replace your face until no one else can see or hear you?” These are the powerful words that Nigerian actor/director Genevieve Nnaji speaks to introduce the Netflix initiative Made By Africa, Watched By the World. Mixing new, original content with older African classics that have not previously been streamed elsewhere, this initiative, much like Strong Black Lead (2018), aims to showcase content that centres black stories but – unlike Strong Black Lead – it will be by and about Africans. It creates a path for stories that specifically address different slices of the African experience to see the light of day and reach a wider audience. Considering that there’s a growing feeling among Africans that...
- 10/7/2020
- by Fred Onyango
- The Guardian - Film News
Netflix has renewed its first African original Queen Sono for a second season.
Starring Quantico‘s Pearl Thusi, it centers on a highly trained spy who takes on dangerous missions, while also facing challenges in her personal life. The second season will see her search for the truth as her newfound need for revenge takes her on a mission across Africa.
Queen Sono was created by director Kagiso Lediga, who worked with Thusi on dark romantic comedy Catching Feelings, and executive producer Tamsin Andersson, who produced Catching Feelings. Johannesburg-based Diprente Films made the show, with production on Season 2 expected to begin later this year.
Dorothy Ghettuba, who leads African originals at Netflix, said: “The first season of Queen Sono marked the beginning of our journey to introduce the world to exciting stories that are made in Africa. It was an unprecedented representation of a strong female black lead in African television.
Starring Quantico‘s Pearl Thusi, it centers on a highly trained spy who takes on dangerous missions, while also facing challenges in her personal life. The second season will see her search for the truth as her newfound need for revenge takes her on a mission across Africa.
Queen Sono was created by director Kagiso Lediga, who worked with Thusi on dark romantic comedy Catching Feelings, and executive producer Tamsin Andersson, who produced Catching Feelings. Johannesburg-based Diprente Films made the show, with production on Season 2 expected to begin later this year.
Dorothy Ghettuba, who leads African originals at Netflix, said: “The first season of Queen Sono marked the beginning of our journey to introduce the world to exciting stories that are made in Africa. It was an unprecedented representation of a strong female black lead in African television.
- 4/28/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos and a team of high-level executives have spent the week crisscrossing the African continent, wooing local creators and touting plans to thrust the continent center-stage as the streaming giant’s first African original series, “Queen Sono,” drops worldwide on Friday.
Sarandos took the mic at a splashy event in Lagos Tuesday night, where the crowd was serenaded by traditional drums before the Netflix topper affirmed the streamer’s commitment to bringing African stories to a global audience.
“I’ve learned so much in the very short time we’ve been here…(and) I’ve just been thrilled to be surrounded by some of the most creative and successful creators in the world here in Nigeria, telling your stories to the world,” he said. “And that’s the thing that’s most exciting about…what we’re doing in Africa, and what we’re doing in Nigeria.
Sarandos took the mic at a splashy event in Lagos Tuesday night, where the crowd was serenaded by traditional drums before the Netflix topper affirmed the streamer’s commitment to bringing African stories to a global audience.
“I’ve learned so much in the very short time we’ve been here…(and) I’ve just been thrilled to be surrounded by some of the most creative and successful creators in the world here in Nigeria, telling your stories to the world,” he said. “And that’s the thing that’s most exciting about…what we’re doing in Africa, and what we’re doing in Nigeria.
- 2/28/2020
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has released a trailer for its anticipated first African original series, titled “Queen Sono.” The series represents the streaming giant’s ongoing push into the African continent — a still relatively untapped source of talent and content.
“Queen Sono” is a South African crime drama created by actor and director Kagiso Lediga, starring Pearl Thusi (“Quantico”) as a Jason Bourne-like operative who tackles dangerous missions while contending with personal challenges.
Thusi is joined in front of the camera by Vuyo Dabula, Sechaba Morojele, Chi Mhende, Loyiso Madinga, Rob Van Vuuren, Kate Liquorish, Khathu Ramabulana, Enhle Maphumulo, Abigail Kubeka, Connie Chiume, Otto Nobela and James Ngcobo. The series was ordered for a six-episode first season by Netflix in December 2018, with Lediga as executive producer alongside Tamsin Andersson. Lediga and Tebogo Malope directed all six episodes.
The first season is set to be released on Netflix in its entirety on February 28.
In...
“Queen Sono” is a South African crime drama created by actor and director Kagiso Lediga, starring Pearl Thusi (“Quantico”) as a Jason Bourne-like operative who tackles dangerous missions while contending with personal challenges.
Thusi is joined in front of the camera by Vuyo Dabula, Sechaba Morojele, Chi Mhende, Loyiso Madinga, Rob Van Vuuren, Kate Liquorish, Khathu Ramabulana, Enhle Maphumulo, Abigail Kubeka, Connie Chiume, Otto Nobela and James Ngcobo. The series was ordered for a six-episode first season by Netflix in December 2018, with Lediga as executive producer alongside Tamsin Andersson. Lediga and Tebogo Malope directed all six episodes.
The first season is set to be released on Netflix in its entirety on February 28.
In...
- 1/30/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
South African producers have struck a string of international co-production deals in recent months that are poised to push scripted drama series from the Rainbow Nation onto the global stage.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to take African stories to the world,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO for general entertainment at the MultiChoice Group, which includes pay-tv heavyweight DStv and the M-Net group of channels. “It’s all about finding the biggest, best and leading producers of drama in the world to help us distribute our stories.”
MultiChoice is planning to develop three to four scripted drama series with international partners per year. In development are “Trackers,” a six-part TV adaptation of the novel by bestselling South African author Deon Meyer, which is being produced with German broadcaster Zdf; and “Reyka,” a crime series it’s producing with the U.K.’s Serena Cullen Prods. and Emmy-nominated South African production company Quizzical Pictures,...
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to take African stories to the world,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO for general entertainment at the MultiChoice Group, which includes pay-tv heavyweight DStv and the M-Net group of channels. “It’s all about finding the biggest, best and leading producers of drama in the world to help us distribute our stories.”
MultiChoice is planning to develop three to four scripted drama series with international partners per year. In development are “Trackers,” a six-part TV adaptation of the novel by bestselling South African author Deon Meyer, which is being produced with German broadcaster Zdf; and “Reyka,” a crime series it’s producing with the U.K.’s Serena Cullen Prods. and Emmy-nominated South African production company Quizzical Pictures,...
- 4/8/2019
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Stranger Things production company 21 Laps on board as executive producer.
Jonathan Entwistle, British director of BAFTA-nominated Netflix series The End Of The Fucking World, is to co-create I Am Not Okay With This, another series for the streaming giant based on the work of End Of… graphic novelist Charles Forsman.
Netflix has given an eight-episode order to I Am Not Okay With This, and Stranger Things production company 21 Laps serves as executive producer.
Based on Forsman’s 2017 comic book, the new series is a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl navigating the trials and tribulations of high school,...
Jonathan Entwistle, British director of BAFTA-nominated Netflix series The End Of The Fucking World, is to co-create I Am Not Okay With This, another series for the streaming giant based on the work of End Of… graphic novelist Charles Forsman.
Netflix has given an eight-episode order to I Am Not Okay With This, and Stranger Things production company 21 Laps serves as executive producer.
Based on Forsman’s 2017 comic book, the new series is a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl navigating the trials and tribulations of high school,...
- 12/12/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Quantico star Pearl Thusi is to star in Queen Sono – Netflix’s first African original series.
Thusi, who starred as series regular Dayana Mampasi in the ABC drama, is set to play a highly trained spy in a South African agency in the series.
Created by director Kagiso Lediga, who worked with Thusi in dark romantic comedy Catching Feelings, and exec producer Tamsin Andersson, who produced Catching Feelings and Lediga’s coming-of-age adventure Wizard, the series will see Thusi’s character take on dangerous missions, while also facing challenges in her personal life.
The show will launch around the world on the Svod service and will start production in 2019.
It is expected to be one of a number of African originations for Netflix as the digital platform eyes international growth in new markets.
“It’s going to change the game for every artist on this continent,” said Thusi. “I cannot wait for every young woman,...
Thusi, who starred as series regular Dayana Mampasi in the ABC drama, is set to play a highly trained spy in a South African agency in the series.
Created by director Kagiso Lediga, who worked with Thusi in dark romantic comedy Catching Feelings, and exec producer Tamsin Andersson, who produced Catching Feelings and Lediga’s coming-of-age adventure Wizard, the series will see Thusi’s character take on dangerous missions, while also facing challenges in her personal life.
The show will launch around the world on the Svod service and will start production in 2019.
It is expected to be one of a number of African originations for Netflix as the digital platform eyes international growth in new markets.
“It’s going to change the game for every artist on this continent,” said Thusi. “I cannot wait for every young woman,...
- 12/10/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has ordered its first African original series, “Queen Sono,” a drama about a secret agent who fights crime while dealing with crises in her personal life. The series will launch globally in 2019.
“Queen Sono” stars veteran South African actress Pearl Thusi, who tweeted in an emotional video Monday that she “cannot wait for…every woman on this continent, and actually on this planet, to meet Queen Sono.” Of the deal with Netflix, she added: “It’s going to change the game for every artist on this continent.”
The announcement of the show comes barely a week after Erik Barmack, Netflix’s vice president of international originals, told a gathering in London that the company would begin commissioning original series in Africa starting in 2019.
Speaking about “Queen Sono” with South Africa’s Independent Online, Barmack said: “Taking talent like this and telling stories to the rest of the world puts...
“Queen Sono” stars veteran South African actress Pearl Thusi, who tweeted in an emotional video Monday that she “cannot wait for…every woman on this continent, and actually on this planet, to meet Queen Sono.” Of the deal with Netflix, she added: “It’s going to change the game for every artist on this continent.”
The announcement of the show comes barely a week after Erik Barmack, Netflix’s vice president of international originals, told a gathering in London that the company would begin commissioning original series in Africa starting in 2019.
Speaking about “Queen Sono” with South Africa’s Independent Online, Barmack said: “Taking talent like this and telling stories to the rest of the world puts...
- 12/10/2018
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Durban — Buzzy competition titles and late-night bidding wars might be a staple at some of the world’s biggest film festivals, but sales agents at the 9th edition of the Durban FilmMart (Dfm), which ran parallel to the Durban Int’l. Film Festival this week, said the value of attending the continent’s leading market and finance forum is instead about what one described as “playing the long game.”
“If you’re looking at this as a place where people are selling, categorically not, because the buyers aren’t here,” said Todd Brown, head of international acquisitions at Xyz Films. What drives the Durban mart is “not the selling end, it’s the discovery end.”
He continued, “For me, it’s across the board. I’m looking for directing talent. I’m looking for people who are strong screenwriters. I’m looking for producers who have an interesting eye, and a smart sensibility,...
“If you’re looking at this as a place where people are selling, categorically not, because the buyers aren’t here,” said Todd Brown, head of international acquisitions at Xyz Films. What drives the Durban mart is “not the selling end, it’s the discovery end.”
He continued, “For me, it’s across the board. I’m looking for directing talent. I’m looking for people who are strong screenwriters. I’m looking for producers who have an interesting eye, and a smart sensibility,...
- 7/27/2018
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Comedy Central is taking “Roast Battle” to Mexico, with a new local version of the format. New seasons of the show, in which comedians attempt to take each other down and have their efforts judged by a panel of celebrity judges, have also been greenlit by the Viacom channel in the U.S., U.K., and South Africa.
The U.K. judging lineup is changing, and Russell Brand will not return as a judge, Variety has learned. Comedians Jimmy Carr and Katherine Ryan will come back for the five-part second season of the British show. James Corden’s Fulwell 73 and U.K. indie Ideastron are on production duty.
In Mexico, the local version will be called “Comedy Central Duelo de Comediantes” and launch in July. The six-part series will have three battles per episode. In the U.S., there will be a third season of “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle...
The U.K. judging lineup is changing, and Russell Brand will not return as a judge, Variety has learned. Comedians Jimmy Carr and Katherine Ryan will come back for the five-part second season of the British show. James Corden’s Fulwell 73 and U.K. indie Ideastron are on production duty.
In Mexico, the local version will be called “Comedy Central Duelo de Comediantes” and launch in July. The six-part series will have three battles per episode. In the U.S., there will be a third season of “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle...
- 6/13/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
South African comedian turned writer-director Kagiso Lediga has had himself a busy year. His feature debut - the Engish language romantic dramedy Catching Feelings, in which he also starred - had its world premiere at the La Film Festival and he's back already with his second effort, local language coming of age crime comedy Wizard (Matwetwe). It’s New Year’s Eve in Atteridgeville and Lefa’s life is on the cusp of major change. Accepted into university to study botany, he’s about to leave the ghetto township that has been his home behind if only his deadbeat father will come through with his school fees. Though he may not need his father’s help at all, not with his horticultural skills and the criminal mind of his albino...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 9/15/2017
- Screen Anarchy
All relationships are complicated. Very complicated. No relationship is simple.
South African filmmaker Kagiso Lediga stars and directs the romantic comedy Catching Feelings, which is making its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival this month.
The film stars almost an entirely black South African cast including Pearl Thusi (Quantico), Andrew Buckland (Shot Down), Akin Omotoso (Blood Diamond), Precious Makgaretsa (Blitzpatrollie), Kate Liquorish (Eye in the Sky), Tessa Jubber (Wallander), and Tyson Cross (The Avengers).
Here’s the synopsis of the film:
Max Matshane (Lediga), is a 34-year-old author who wrote a South African bestseller in his 20s, but whose star has waned and now finds himself as a disgruntled professor, teaching creative writing at the local university. Max lives in a leafy Johannesburg suburb with his exceptionally beautiful wife, Samkelo (Thusi), who career is on the rise as a reputable journalist. Despite their love for each other, their relationship has hit a rut.
South African filmmaker Kagiso Lediga stars and directs the romantic comedy Catching Feelings, which is making its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival this month.
The film stars almost an entirely black South African cast including Pearl Thusi (Quantico), Andrew Buckland (Shot Down), Akin Omotoso (Blood Diamond), Precious Makgaretsa (Blitzpatrollie), Kate Liquorish (Eye in the Sky), Tessa Jubber (Wallander), and Tyson Cross (The Avengers).
Here’s the synopsis of the film:
Max Matshane (Lediga), is a 34-year-old author who wrote a South African bestseller in his 20s, but whose star has waned and now finds himself as a disgruntled professor, teaching creative writing at the local university. Max lives in a leafy Johannesburg suburb with his exceptionally beautiful wife, Samkelo (Thusi), who career is on the rise as a reputable journalist. Despite their love for each other, their relationship has hit a rut.
- 6/18/2017
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
Disclaimer: This post contains spoilers for Season 1 of Stranger Things.
Stranger Things hit Netflix and became an almost-instant juggernaut. Seriously, no one out there could have predicted the hit that it was, but more than anything, no one could have expected Barb. That’s right, the nerdy redhead with the common sense that our lead lacked. To many, she was a revelation, and became something of a sensation all on her own…despite the fact that she had maybe 30 lines in the whole series.
Speaking with THR, show producer and director Shawn Levy discussed his bafflement over Barb’s popularity with viewers.
“I think everyone has some Barb in them. I think everyone feels like a misfitting, not cookie cutter, at ease in herself kind of person. We all have felt like an other. We all have felt a little bit on the margin, like we don’t quite fit in.
Stranger Things hit Netflix and became an almost-instant juggernaut. Seriously, no one out there could have predicted the hit that it was, but more than anything, no one could have expected Barb. That’s right, the nerdy redhead with the common sense that our lead lacked. To many, she was a revelation, and became something of a sensation all on her own…despite the fact that she had maybe 30 lines in the whole series.
Speaking with THR, show producer and director Shawn Levy discussed his bafflement over Barb’s popularity with viewers.
“I think everyone has some Barb in them. I think everyone feels like a misfitting, not cookie cutter, at ease in herself kind of person. We all have felt like an other. We all have felt a little bit on the margin, like we don’t quite fit in.
- 6/15/2017
- by Joseph Medina
- LRMonline.com
This year’s Los Angeles Film Festival, better known as Laff if you’re fun, has unveiled its full slate of 2017 offerings, including new offerings from Vincent Grashaw, Leena Pendharkar, Hong Sangsoo, Lea Thompson and many more. The slate includes 48 feature films, 51 short films, 15 high school short films and 10 short episodic works representing 32 countries. The festival’s five competitions feature 37 World Premieres, 2 International Premieres and 9 North American Premieres. Across the competition categories, 42% of the films are directed by women and 40% are directed by people of color.
“Our competitions reflect who Film Independent is as an organization,” said La Film Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. “Within each section you’ll find discovery, diversity, and promising talent both in front of and behind the camera.” Programming Director Roya Rastegar added, “The films curated for the 2017 competition reflect the changing political climate’s impact on emerging independent filmmakers, who are compelled to tell stories about the power of conviction,...
“Our competitions reflect who Film Independent is as an organization,” said La Film Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. “Within each section you’ll find discovery, diversity, and promising talent both in front of and behind the camera.” Programming Director Roya Rastegar added, “The films curated for the 2017 competition reflect the changing political climate’s impact on emerging independent filmmakers, who are compelled to tell stories about the power of conviction,...
- 5/9/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Slate includes 48 films. The Book Of Henry to open festival as previously announced.
The 2017 La Film Festival has unveiled the official Us Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections.
The festival’s slate consists of 48 feature films, 51 short films, 15 high school shorts and 10 short episodic works representing 32 countries. The festival is set to run from June 14-22 in Los Angeles.
Leena Pendharkar’s 20 Weeks (Us), Paul Briganti’s Village People (Us), and Camille Thoman’s Never Here (Us) are among the Us Fiction Competition entries, with each having their world premiere.
The World Competition includes the world premieres of Vashti Anderson’s Moko Jumbie (pictured, Trinidad & Tobago) by Vashti Anderson and Catching Feelings (South Africa) from director Kagiso Lediga, while Arshad Khan’s Abu (Canada) plays in the Documentary Competition.
Mark Hayes’ Skid Row Marathon (Us) and Brandon Buczek’s Your Own Road (Us) will play in the La Muse section, while [link=nm...
The 2017 La Film Festival has unveiled the official Us Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections.
The festival’s slate consists of 48 feature films, 51 short films, 15 high school shorts and 10 short episodic works representing 32 countries. The festival is set to run from June 14-22 in Los Angeles.
Leena Pendharkar’s 20 Weeks (Us), Paul Briganti’s Village People (Us), and Camille Thoman’s Never Here (Us) are among the Us Fiction Competition entries, with each having their world premiere.
The World Competition includes the world premieres of Vashti Anderson’s Moko Jumbie (pictured, Trinidad & Tobago) by Vashti Anderson and Catching Feelings (South Africa) from director Kagiso Lediga, while Arshad Khan’s Abu (Canada) plays in the Documentary Competition.
Mark Hayes’ Skid Row Marathon (Us) and Brandon Buczek’s Your Own Road (Us) will play in the La Muse section, while [link=nm...
- 5/9/2017
- ScreenDaily
The days are getting longer and the nights are getting warmer, which means that we're edging ever closer to this year's La Film Festival. Taking place June 14th–22nd, the La Film Festival's 2017 competition lineup has been unveiled, and of particular interest for genre fans is the Nightfall section, which includes Colin Minihan's It Stains the Sands Red, Julius Ramsay's Midnighters, and Amanda Evans' Serpent.
Press Release: Los Angeles (May 9, 2017)— Today the La Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that also produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, unveiled the official U.S. Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections. The 2017 La Film Festival will screen a diverse slate of feature films, shorts and episodic series, along with programs such as Coffee Talks and Future Filmmakers Showcase. The La Film Festival takes place June 14 – June 22, 2017 headquartered at ArcLight Cinemas Culver City, with additional screenings at ArcLight Hollywood,...
Press Release: Los Angeles (May 9, 2017)— Today the La Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that also produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, unveiled the official U.S. Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections. The 2017 La Film Festival will screen a diverse slate of feature films, shorts and episodic series, along with programs such as Coffee Talks and Future Filmmakers Showcase. The La Film Festival takes place June 14 – June 22, 2017 headquartered at ArcLight Cinemas Culver City, with additional screenings at ArcLight Hollywood,...
- 5/9/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
From Rififi Pictures comes a new film titled “Tell Me Sweet Something,” directed by the award-winning filmmaker Akin Omotoso ("Man on Ground"), which was inspired by Omotoso’s love of love songs, the romance classic "Love Jones," and his desire to tell a story that celebrates love in the city he loves - Johannesburg, South Africa. Starring Nomzamo Mbatha, Maps Maponyane, Thishiwe Ziqubu, Kagiso Lediga, Thomas Gumede, Thembi Seete and Mandisa Bardill, “Tell Me Sweet Something” tells the story of Moratiwa (Mbatha): an aspiring novelist with writer’s block. She hasn’t had much luck with love ever since her ex-boyfriend Norman went out to buy milk and never came...
- 9/11/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
From Rififi Pictures comes a new film titled “Tell Me Sweet Something,” directed by the award-winning filmmaker Akin Omotoso ("Man on Ground"), which was inspired by Omotoso’s love of love songs, the romance classic "Love Jones," and his desire to tell a story that celebrates love in the city he loves - Johannesburg, South Africa. Starring Nomzamo Mbatha, Maps Maponyane, Thishiwe Ziqubu, Kagiso Lediga, Thomas Gumede, Thembi Seete and Mandisa Bardill, “Tell Me Sweet Something” tells the story of Moratiwa (Mbatha): an aspiring novelist with writer’s block. She hasn’t had much luck with love ever since her ex-boyfriend Norman went out to buy milk and never came...
- 6/8/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Just as they did last year, South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation (Nfvf) will once again take a delegation of films and filmmakers to the Cannes International Film Festival, which takes place later this month - from the 15th until the 26th of May. The goal here is to demonstrate that South African cinema can compete on the international stage, and show that stories by South African filmmakers can resonate in the international cinema market place. One of the films that will be presented this year is the buddy cop comedy set in Johannesburg, written by comedian Kagiso Lediga, titled Blitz Patrollie. The film chronicles the...
- 5/8/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
More new genre cinema from South Africa, starring black South Africans - this one fitting squarely under the buddy cop comedy category, set in Johannesburg, written by comedian Kagiso Lediga, titled Blitz Patrollie. The film chronicles the adventures of Rummy Augustine (Joey Rasdien) and his partner, Ace Dikolobe (David Kau), two police officers who have had the misfortune of being stationed in an anonymous depot in the Johannesburg Cbd. Rummy is bogged down with trying to start a family, while the overzealous Ace can think of nothing better to do in the morning than head out and kick some criminal ass. Directed by Andrew Wessels, Blitz Patrollie promises...
- 4/3/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
From director Damir Radonic and screenwriter Salah Sabiti comes a South African dramedy feature titled Taka Takata, which will screen at the Pan African Film Festival in La this month. Starring Trevor Noah, Kagiso Lediga, and Anele Mdoda, the synopsis for the film reads: The story of a local football team in Johannesburg that ranks at the bottom of a low level champions league. In order to better its performances, the coach of the team decides to fly to Brazil to buy some football players from the favelas. Their journey is told through Rasta, an unlikely hero who goes through a series of unexpected events, accompanied by Pico, the Brazilian player, Pinki, the owner...
- 2/6/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Written by South African comedian Kagiso Lediga, Blitz Patrollie is a buddy cop comedy set in Johannesburg. The film chronicles the adventures of Rummy Augustine (Joey Rasdien) and his partner, Ace Dikolobe (David Kau), two police officers who have had the misfortune of being stationed in an anonymous depot in the Johannesburg Cbd. Rummy is bogged down with trying to start a family, while the overzealous Ace can think of nothing better to do in the morning than head out and kick some criminal ass. This hilarious comedy offers itself as a portrait of Jozi and its many contradictions. Directed by Andrew Wessels, Blitz Patrollie promises to be a film that will visually...
- 7/19/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Dv8 Films
There is a certain scrappy charm to "Bunny Chow: Know Thyself", the story of three struggling Johannesburg stand-up comics who take a road trip to a gig at an outdoor rock festival and discover that life has a way of delivering sharply executed punch lines of its own.
Shot in no-frills black and white by first-timer John Barker, this slice-of-life picture has a loose, youthful energy recalling early Spike Lee that is entirely fitting for a country that is enjoying a cultural growth spurt.
In its more polite, culinary vernacular, a bunny chow is a hollowed-out hunk of bread filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables that is meant for sharing. It also serves as a handy metaphor for the melting pot of cultures that is contemporary South Africa.
Playing casually autobiographical versions of themselves are David Kibuuka as Dave, a dishwasher who is determined to hit it big as a comic even though he has yet to have a decent set onstage; Kagiso Lediga as Kags, Dave's more established mentor whose womanizing ways are putting an understandable strain on his relationship with the beautiful but insecure Kim Kim Engelbrecht).
Rounding out the trio is Joey Yusuf Rasdien as Joey, a Muslim finding it tricky to reconcile his faith with the various temptations that go with the stand-up territory, much to the irritation of his Chinese girlfriend, Angela (Angela Chow).
Director Barker and his three lead characters all worked the same sketch comedy show ("The Pure Monate Show"), and that previous relationship serves their improvisational approach effectively here though there are the occasional times when those now-you-see-'em-now-you-don't subtitles go AWOL just when some of that hip Johannesburg dialect kicks into overdrive.
There is a certain scrappy charm to "Bunny Chow: Know Thyself", the story of three struggling Johannesburg stand-up comics who take a road trip to a gig at an outdoor rock festival and discover that life has a way of delivering sharply executed punch lines of its own.
Shot in no-frills black and white by first-timer John Barker, this slice-of-life picture has a loose, youthful energy recalling early Spike Lee that is entirely fitting for a country that is enjoying a cultural growth spurt.
In its more polite, culinary vernacular, a bunny chow is a hollowed-out hunk of bread filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables that is meant for sharing. It also serves as a handy metaphor for the melting pot of cultures that is contemporary South Africa.
Playing casually autobiographical versions of themselves are David Kibuuka as Dave, a dishwasher who is determined to hit it big as a comic even though he has yet to have a decent set onstage; Kagiso Lediga as Kags, Dave's more established mentor whose womanizing ways are putting an understandable strain on his relationship with the beautiful but insecure Kim Kim Engelbrecht).
Rounding out the trio is Joey Yusuf Rasdien as Joey, a Muslim finding it tricky to reconcile his faith with the various temptations that go with the stand-up territory, much to the irritation of his Chinese girlfriend, Angela (Angela Chow).
Director Barker and his three lead characters all worked the same sketch comedy show ("The Pure Monate Show"), and that previous relationship serves their improvisational approach effectively here though there are the occasional times when those now-you-see-'em-now-you-don't subtitles go AWOL just when some of that hip Johannesburg dialect kicks into overdrive.
- 11/7/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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