Netflix partners with South African filmmaker Mandlakayise Walter Dube

Arnold Vosloo stars in Ludik

Netflix has signed a multi-project partnership with South African filmmaker Mandlakayise Walter Dube and ordered a South African supernatural drama series called The Brave Ones.

Under the partnership, Dube – who directed Netflix’s first commissioned African film, Silverton Siege – will direct a number of yet-to-be-announced projects for the streamer.

The tie-up follows multi-title agreements Netflix has previously struck with African creatives Mo Abudu and Kunle Afolayan, and comes as the streamer ramps up investment in African stories.

Netflix announced the news at its See What’s Next Africa showcase in Johannesburg today, where it shared glimpses of upcoming projects including South African series Ludik and film Kings of Queenstown.

During the presentation, Netflix announced a new South African series called The Brave Ones, which comes from director, writer and actor Akin Omotoso and launches on the platform in September. The supernatural drama is set in modern-day South Africa but is inspired by African folklore.

Netflix also announced the return of pan-African reality show Young, Famous & African for a second season. Season one debuted earlier this year.

Additionally, Netflix revealed a Nigerian film to come from its partnership with Afolayan. Titled Anikulapo, the film is a mystical folklore drama revolving around a zealous young man seeking greener pastures in the Oyo Kingdom.

Tendeka Matatu, director of local-language films for Netflix in Africa, said: “We are working with top talent and filmmakers as well as exciting emerging voices from the continent. We are thrilled to expand our partnerships with Africa’s talented storytellers.

“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.”