Nigerian film director Chukwuka Edeogu Davidson, also known as Fedworks, has unveiled his new film titled Orange Bowl.

Orange Bowl has themes of motherhood, self-identity and finding peace and it tells the story of rape victims and the aftermaths of their ordeals.

Chukwuka said: “Rape is every kind of theft. Working on my short film directing debut, Orange Bowl, has marked the beginning of a personal journey for me – telling the stories that need to be told while paying intentional attention to filmmaking as an art. Special thank you to everyone who joined hands to make this project the impeccable piece that it is.”

The film features Funke Williams, George Victor, Zeph Obayangbon and is produced by Abisola Yussuf and Ifeoluwa Fatogun.

AMC Networks-owned Sundance Now has acquired North American streaming rights to crime thriller White Lies from pan-African broadcaster M-Net, producer Quizzical Pictures and distributor Fremantle.

Natalie Dormer (Picnic at Hanging Rock) and Brendon Daniels (Four Corners) star in the 8×60′ murder mystery, written by Darrel Bristow-Bovey.

Set in a wealthy neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa, it follows an investigative journalist (Dormer) who gets caught up in the ugly underbelly of the picturesque city, dragging her back to a turbulent past.

Its exclusive launch on Sundance Now and AMC+ in the US and Canada comes after the series arrived on Stan in Australia and M-Net in South Africa in March. Sundance Now boarded the project in a deal negotiated by Fremantle’s Shirley Bowers, senior VP of US distribution.

The series is produced by Harriet Gavshon and Nimrod Geva for Quizzical Pictures, with Dormer and Bristow-Bovey also serving as executive producers. Julie Hodge is executive producer on behalf of Fremantle, which distributes the series internationally.

The deal comes after Fremantle and South African producer Quizzical Pictures previously worked together on the International Emmy-nominated M-Net series Reyka.

Sundance Now last week picked up UK pubcaster BBC Three’s supernatural drama Domino Day (6×60′) from Fremantle.

Shannon Cooper, VP of programming at Sundance Now, said: “White Lies is a brilliantly written, edge-of-your-seat, murder-mystery brought to life by remarkable performances from both Natalie and Brendon, set against an incredible South African backdrop.”

Waldimar Pelser, channel director for premium channels at M-Net parent group MultiChoice, said: “White Lies is the perfect example of how a story steeped in deeply South African challenges has a place on international screens. The series encapsulates the struggles that South Africans face every day and we’re delighted to see it has found an international audience – that’s the magic of powerful storytelling.”

South African production company Trace Studios has appointed Wilna van Schalkwyk and Anita Rowland as co-MDs.

Van Schalkwyk was previously Trace Studios’ chief production officer. With 35 years’ experience in broadcasting, her credits include reality series The Ultimate Braai Master, wildlife documentary Wild Orphan Rescue, high school drama Signal High, docuseries Ocean Adventurer and a slate of local children’s programming properties.

Rowland has worked as a creative, producer and executive producer on video-based marketing solutions for blue-chip local and international clients like Mediclinic, Woolworths, Accenture, Bio-Oil, Blue Ribbon, TFG, Discovery, Diageo, Old Mutual and Mondelez.

She has also worked in longform production and was the first producer for SABC’s flagship daily teen show Hectic Nine-9.

Nigerian filmmaker Stanlee Ohikhuare has unveiled his new 2D animated movie titled Martyr, set to premiere in July.

Although not much has been said about the movie, Ohikhuare revealed the project is a collaboration with his son David, marking his first venture into 2D animation.

He said: “My team at Mighty Jot has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you our upcoming 2D animation movie, Martyr. As many of you know, I’ve spent years working on 3D animation, starting with Lifespan back in 2004. But I’m excited to take on this new challenge and can’t wait to share the final product with you all.”

The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and Blue Ice Docs have announced the selection of seven African documentary projects to receive C$115,000 (US$84,000) in development and production grants.

Now in its 13th year, the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund aims to empower more African documentary filmmakers to tell their stories and contribute to the next generation of African documentary talent.

Chosen from 108 applications from 26 countries, three of the selected projects will receive development support – two will be provided with production grants and two will get post-production grants.

The projects are a representation of voices and stories from the African continent geared towards leaving an indelible mark in the world of non-fiction filmmaking.

The projects receiving development grants are Akal from Kasbah Films (Morocco), Looking For The Mermaid from YC Films (Mozambique) and We Had the Moon from Dousma Dousma Productions (Mauritius) and Visual Asili (Kenya).

The two projects receiving production grants are Spaceman in Kongo from Maene Film (Democratic Republic of Congo), The White Doctor from Afrofilms International and Little Wing Films (Kenya).

The projects receiving post-production grants are Copper Queens from LBx Africa (Kenya) and Truck Mama from Visual Asili (Kenya) and MoonBow Productions (South Africa).

Elizabeth Radshaw, Hot Docs’ director of industry programmes, said: “These brilliant filmmakers have presented unique and relevant projects that showcase their unwavering vision, talent, passion and storytelling prowess. We are proud to champion their vision as they progress towards the completion of their projects.”

Neil Tabatznik, Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs co-founder, added: “The Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund continues to play an essential role in the industry, nurturing and amplifying the voices of bold African doc filmmakers, while helping them launch their non-fiction projects and deliver these vital stories to a global audience.”

The Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund Committee responsible for the eligible projects included Ayman El Amir (Felucca Films), Hot Docs Industry (Elizabeth Radshaw and María José Arauz), Khalid Shamis (TubaFilms) and Maia von Lekow (Circle & Square Productions).

The fund allocates development grants up to C$10,000 and production grants up to C$40,000 to between four and 10 projects annually. Each year, up to five of these funded projects are chosen to participate in a year-long mentorship programme.

This scheme includes exclusive filmmaker labs at Hot Docs and the Durban FilmMart/Durban International Film Festival, or other festivals and markets in Africa.

The fund also collaborates with The New York Times – Op-Docs to commission short films from African filmmakers, which are featured on the NYT’s online platform.

Since its establishment in 2011, the Hot Docs-Blue Ice Docs Fund has supported 100 projects from 26 countries, with C$1.433m handed out to date.

Applications for the next round of disbursements will begin on October 2. For more details, click here.

An African version of US comedy and rap battle format Wild ‘n Out is set to launch and programme makers are looking for talented African comedians.

The show is created and hosted by American actor and musician Nick Cannon and features rap battles and improvisational games between two groups of contestants, the red and green teams.

Cannon said on social media: “Africa, are you ready?! We bringing Wildnout to the Motherland!! I’m looking for the funniest and most talented people on the Continent! Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Somalia, Capetown and Johannesburg! What Country has the best comedians?”

Wild ‘n Out show has been airing for 20 seasons and more than 300 episodes on MTV and VH1 in the US since 2005.

Winners have been announced at the 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), which took place at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.

The awards ceremony was hosted by IK Osakioduwa and recognised Nollywood stars and celebrated excellence and talent in the African film and television industry in various categories.

Jagun Jagun (The Warrior) won the award for Best Indigenous Language Movie (West Africa), Slum King won for Best Scripted Mnet Original and Breath of Life was named Best Movie.

Breath of Life also won awards in the Best Supporting Actor (Ademola Adedoyin) and Best Support Actress (Genoveva Umeh) categories. Best Lead Actress was presented to Kehinde Bankole for her role in Adire, while Wale Ojo won the gong for Best Lead Actor in Breath of Life.

Her Dark Past took home the award for Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie while Best Series (Scripted) went to Itura. Other awards included Best Short Film, which went to Broken Mask, while Best Indigenous M-Net Original went to Irora Iya.

Esther Idowu Philips (aka Iya Rainbow) and Richard Mofe-Damijo were presented with the Industry Merit Award, while Chimezie Imo was the recipient of this year’s Trailblazer Award.

“The Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards was created to honour exceptional achievements in television and film across the continent and we are excited to have been able to keep that fire burning through 10 editions,” said Dr Busola Tejumola, executive head of content and channels, West Africa at MultiChoice.

“Year after year, we have received numerous entries and can attest to the growth in the quality of submissions with each edition. While this year’s edition is a milestone edition, as it is the 10th, it is also a testament to the growth the film industry in Africa has experienced.

“We congratulate all the winners and nominees who have put in the incredible work. We’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone in the African film industry. You have all made us proud”.

The 10th edition of the AMVCA was sponsored by headline sponsor Amstel and tactical sponsors Pepsi, Martell and Onga Seasoning. Other sponsors include Verve, TECNO, Indomie, MTN, Nivea, Hypo, Supa Komando, QuickTeller, Tiger Beer, Goldberg, Legend Twist, Lush Hair, Jameson and Chevas Regal.

MultiChoice-owned South African entertainment channel Mzansi Magic is set to debut family drama Ha Molefi.

The emotional story follows the relationship between widowed father Ntate Molefi and his son Thabang Molefi. Their grief forces them to deal directly with the complexities of their relationship.

Thabang is a queer teenager from Pimville, Soweto who dreams of winning the all-round category at the annual Ballroom/Vogue Nights and he draws inspiration from his late mother, who was a musical sensation in the 90s and always supported Thabang in embracing his authentic self and pursuing his aspirations.

Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment channels at MultiChoice, said: “Ha Molefi is an emotional story about a relationship between a grieving father and son, focusing on the raw and honest emotional turmoil that both face, especially concerning the son’s identity.

“As the home of local, Mzansi Magic is proud to bring this inspirational story to our audiences and we hope that it will inspire. We hope viewers will recognise and appreciate how a parent’s love can manifest in fear and how that can either grow or destroy a relationship.”

Ha Molefi is scheduled to debut on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161, on Monday June 17 at 20.00.

Global streaming platform Netflix has unveiled a new reality format adaptation titled The Ultimatum: South Africa.

The show, based on international social experiment format The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, tests the relationships of six couples in South Africais and is set to debut on May 10.

The new show is being produced by Urban Brew Studios, directed by Tasneen Handerson (The Fashion Hero Presents: A New Kind of Beautiful) and hosted by real-life couple Salamina and Howza Mosese.

The original format was developed and produced for Netflix by LA-based Kinetic Content, which is owned by Peter Chernin’s North Road Company. It ran for two seasons in 2022 on the streamer, which also launched The Ultimatum: France the same year.

The format revolves around six couples grappling with the complexities of commitment. In each relationship, one partner is eager to take the plunge into marriage, while the other harbours doubts about making a lifelong commitment.

The premise of the show centres on the ultimatum issued by the partner ready for marriage: either get engaged by the end of the show or part ways permanently.

Throughout the series, the couples embark on a transformative journey where they are challenged to confront their fears and uncertainties. As part of the experiment, the couples swap partners and engage in a three-week trial marriage with a new contestant.

Portuguese media group SIC has acquired the rights to Brazilian drama series Black Rain and will air it in Portugal and Africa following a deal with sales agency The Creators Bridge.

The 10×35′ series, written and directed by showrunner Rafael Primot, launched in Brazil last year on Canal Brasil and Globoplay and delves into contemporary themes such as unconventional families, fraternal love and diversity.

The story follows two brothers after they are entrusted with the care of their younger brother Lucas, a 16-year-old with Down syndrome, following the mysterious disappearance of their parents.

Produced by MUK Produções and Enkapothado Filmes, the cast includes João Simões, who has Down syndrome, which The Creators Bridge said is “unprecedented” in a Latin American series.

Black Rain will air on the SIC Radical cable channel and the OPTO streaming platform. In addition to Portugal, the series is also available to subscribers to the channel in Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde.

“Black Rain is a production of strong drama, featuring a stellar cast, approaching contemporary themes and addressing universal themes. Portugal and Africa are key markets for Brazilian content; the series could not be in better hands,” said The Creators Bridge CEO Felipe Herz Boclin.

Primot added: “The series is about real families. We address contemporary themes such as the formation of non-conventional families and diversity.

“It begins with a family in the mould of what we often see in fiction, a family considered ‘ideal,’ and gradually we realise that everyone has flaws, that all characters have their dark side, their small or large secrets.”

The Creators Bridge also shops MUK Produções and Enkapothado Filmes productions such as Old Cat Still Meows, starring Regina Duarte and Bárbara Paz, and Every Love Cliché, starring Débora Falabella and Marjorie Estiano.

BBC Studios and Switch Media have extended their partnership with the expansion of the BBC Kids programming brand in South Africa.

Under a deal announced this week by the two UK companies, BBC Kids can now be accessed through the Streamy platform on VodaPay, extending its availability to Vodacom customers through a flexible subscription model, including pre-paid and post-paid.

BBC Kids made its debut in South Africa through Switch in September 2022 and is a video destination for families with children under 12.

It offers kids’ content including Hey Duggee, JoJo & Gran Gran, Sarah & Duck, Dog Loves Books, Andy’s Safari Adventures, Junior Bake-off, Mi High, The Sarah Adventures, Jamie Johnson, Fierce Earth and Super Human Challenge.

Since its launch in SA two years ago, BBC Kids has gained more than 1.5 million subscribers, according to Switch.

Pierre Cloete, commercial director at BBC Studios in Africa, said: “I’m thrilled to witness the rapid growth of BBC Kids in South Africa, allowing us to extend our award-winning kids’ content to an even wider audience.

“We take immense pride in our kids’ proposition, which is not only celebrated by the industry and parents but also cherished by the children themselves. It’s not just about the accolades; it’s about the trust parents place in us as a safe and enjoyable space for their children fun and development time.”

Mark Johns, CEO of Switch Media, added “Switch Media are delighted to add Vodacom to the BBC Kids family, bringing safe, ad free, education and entertainment to even more families across South Africa. Built using our award-winning MediaHQ solution, the BBC Kids app features nearly 300 hours of content, a clean, easy to navigate interface and programme recommendations.”

The Nigerian International Film & TV Summit is set to take place from May 20th to 21st as part of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in France.

The event will have a line-up of top industry executives discussing trends in the business and topical issues on the growing and globally recognised Nigerian film industry, aka Nollywood.

The keynote will be delivered by award-winning Nollywood actor and producer Funke Akindele (Chief Daddy); and there will be session titled Global Outreach for Nigerian Films: The Opportunities & Limitations with Ali Nuhu, MD of the Nigerian Film Corporation.

There will also be a panel session titled The Future of Film Production Business in Nigeria, featuring speakers Charles Okpaleke, co-founder of Play Network Studios; Francis Nebot, CEO of Ifind Pictures; and Tosin Otudeko, writer/producer at The Garden Theatre.

The event will also showcase presentations titled The Impact of Canex on Film Production Financing on the Continent by Afrexim Bank, as well as insights into the Toronto International Film Festival’s Africa Hub by Ijeoma Onah, founder of the Nigerian International Film & TV Summit. Opeyemi Ajayi, CEO at Cinemax, will speak during a session called Unravelling Untapped Theatrical Opportunities for Nollywood Locally & Globally.

Moses Babatope, co-founder and MD of Nigerian production and distribution company FilmOne Entertainment, will lead discussions on pitching to TV streamers, sales agents, distributors and telling authentic African stories.

The Nigerian International Film & TV Summit serves as a crucial platform for exploring opportunities, addressing concerns and navigating the evolving landscape of the film business in Nigeria. It aims to foster connections with international distributors and film investors while showcasing how the Nollywood industry is rapidly adapting to meet global production standards and expectations.

A group of Nigerian animators have been selected to pitch their latest projects at the upcoming International Animation Film Festival & Market (MIFA) in Annecy, France, as part of its focus on Nigeria.

The initiative, titled Naija to the World: Exploring Nigeria’s Colourful Global Narratives Through Animation, has been organised by the French embassy in Nigeria in partnership with trade body Animation Nigeria, Annecy and MIFA.

“Dive into the heart of Africa’s storytelling as we bring you a vibrant showcase like you’ve never seen before at the 2024 Annecy animation festival,” according to MIFA.

“Experience the unique flair of Nigerian culture as we unveil tales that dance to the rhythm of tradition and pulsate with contemporary relevance. From folklore reimagined to futuristic visions, this session gives you a front row view of the rich, diverse narratives that Nigeria has to offer the world, in their earliest uncut forms.”

The event will take place on June 11 from 13.45 to 15.00 in the Haendel Room at the Impérial Palace, Annecy. The selected projects will participate in a workshop in Lagos, with the support of Animation Nigeria.

They are: Buddy by Omoyefe Majoroh (Align Animation Studio), Nok Nok by Magic Carpet Studios, Legends of Alkebulan by Michael Eneje (Tribe Temple Studios), Detective Jacqueline by Jonathan ‘Reagle’ Oyiriaru (VX Studios) and Small But Mighty by Bolaji Olaloye and Sagir Carpenter.

“A big thank-you to the community for submitting top-notch projects and spreading the word about the call-out for projects. We look forward to all the awesome Nigerian animation coming soon,” said Animation Nigeria.

MIFA is set to take place from June 9 to 15.

Winners of the animation category in the seventh edition of the Digital Lab Africa acceleration programme have been announced.

They include Kenya animator Njogu Macharia, creator, writer and director of toon Boy Boi; Nigerian animation house Magic Carpet Studios, the studio behind series Nok-Nok; Mahmoud Magdy Hemeda from Egypt (R.E.M: Rapid Eye Motion), Joshua Faber from Tanzania (Legend of Hyena Man); and South African animator Annemarie du Plessis (Unseen).

Winners in the Digital Lab Africa gaming category were Chroma Pixel Games from Zambia, which developed the Impanga role-playing game; Dream Shards from South Africa (The Traveller); and Arkitech Studios from Kenya (Finke Desert Race Game).

Held in association with the Durban FilmMart Institute, the Tshimolgong Wits University and Cape Town International Animation Festival, Digital Lab Africa is a platform that fosters mentorship and incubation opportunities to nurture innovative creative and digital content across Africa. Its objective is to provide a springboard for African talent in multimedia industry.

US-based film and television production and management company Zero Gravity Management has signed up Nigerian-American director Editi Effiong, whose credits include Netflix hit movie The Black Book.

Effiong revealed the news, saying: “Excited to announce that I will be managed by Zero Gravity – makers of Ozark and Beasts of No Nation. I’ve really struggled to find the words to express how this feels. One minute you’re watching Ozark and praising the artistry of it; next minute, you’re repped by the makers of your favourite show.”

As well as Netflix movie The Black Book (2023), Effiong is behind prodco Anakle Films and is known for producing Anakle movies Up North (2018), with Inkblot Productions and FilmOne, and Day of Destiny (2021), with Inkblot and AntHill Productions. Both were acquired by Netflix.

“The last year has been an amazing rollercoaster. I’ve worked harder than I’ve ever worked in my life, but I’ve also been inspired more than I ever have been,” added Effiong.

“I used to dream of telling the next generation of African stories to the world, now I am backed by the team that’s done it on the biggest stage, supporting me towards that goal. Excited to work with Eric, Sarah and the Zero Gravity Management team to create amazing stories for the world.”

The deal with Zero Gravity comes soon after Effiong signed a representation deal earlier this year with US-based 3Point0 Labs, led by former CAA agent Marquel Martin.

Nigerian animation The Ekspats: We’re Going to Africa (1×20’) has been selected to enter in the television films competition category at France’s Annecy 2024 animation festival.

The English-language film, which delves into the clash of cultures when an American family moves to Nigeria, is understood to be the pilot for a series.

It was directed by Ron Myrick, Adebisi Adetayo and Mbuotidem Johnson and produced by G2 Animation, led by company partner Ziad Zoueihed, Jeffrey O’Brien and Efeturi Ojonah.

G2 Animation is a Lagos- and US-based animation house that works with Nigerian studios including Johnson’s Basement Animation Studios, as well as Orange VFX, Quadron Studios and 32ad Animation Studios, the prodco behind Nigerian animated feature Lady Buckit & the Motley Mopsters (Netflix).

Marcel Jean, artistic director at the Annecy Festival, set to take place from June 9 to 15, said: “For the very first time, a Nigerian series will be competing, which clearly demonstrates how animation is developing on the African continent, three years after our tribute to African animation.”

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture & The Creative Economy in Nigeria tweeted: “This is a great feat symbolic of the unprecedented growth of the animation sector. We are rooting for G2 Animation and the amazing team behind this extraordinary project.”

Short film Ihunanya’m (My Love) has been selected to stream at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), taking place in September.

The film is directed by Abiodun Odu and produced by Heavens Obule. It delves into the intertwined lives of a couple deeply in love but pulled apart by their different dreams. Chikamma RC and Celia Okechukwu star.

As they pursue their goals separately, the couple faces tough challenges. But when a surprising mystery comes their way, they’re brought back together.

The TINFF news was announced by the film’s production company, Take One Productions of Nigeria: “Ihunanya’m has been selected to stream at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. Our passports are ready because we will step in with grand style.”

A number of African stars have emerged as winners in various categories in the 2024 iKon Awards, which took place in Uganda this week.

Among the categories were Best Film, Best Actor in a Leading Role, the African Icon Award, Best Animation Award, Best Actress in a TV Series, Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Ugandan director Raymond Malinga’s animated film Herderboy won the award for Best Animation, while the Best Film award was given to Unheard by journalist Polly Kamukama and screenwriter/director Joseph Ken Ssebaggala. Henry Nathan Katongole (The Passenger) won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role while Nigerian actor, producer and author Osita Iheme was celebrated with the African Ikon Award.

The African rising star award was presented to Nigerian actress and model Nancy Isime, while Best Actor in a Supporting Role was given to Blair Koono (Enkuba). Best Short Film was won by Hakim Zziwa (Building 62) and Best Actress in a Leading Role was presented to Jackline Katusiime in the movie Unheard.

Malinga said: “My film Herderboy from Disney’s Kizazi Moto Generation Fire won! Thank you iKon awards for giving my team and I our flowers! Shout out to the talents at Triggerfish Animation Studios and the numerous artists around the world that collaborated with us to bring my vision to life. Onwards! Upwards.”

The iKon Awards rewards and recognises game-changers in film and television. The iKon Film & Television initiative is a prestigious programme by SAUTIplus Media Hub that recognises and rewards transformational thought leaders, implementers and personalities in the film and television and mainstream media in Uganda and Africa.

Iwájú, an animated sci-fi series produced by African entertainment company Kugali Media and Walt Disney Animation Studios, is set to premiere on global streamer Disney+ on February 28.

The show is about two kids who live in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. They’re friends but their bond faces challenges from a tech leader with a hidden criminal side. The city is split between the wealthy and the poor, adding to the tensions in their friendship.

The series features the voices of Kehinde Bankole, Femi Branch, Chioma Omeruah, Bisola Ayeiola, Toyin Oshinaike and Lala Akindoju, who is also the casting director.

“Iwájú has a release date and I am excited that the world gets to experience this beautiful work and meet the talented cast,” said Akindoju.

Aiyeola said: “One of my childhood dreams was to be a princess in one or more Disney cartoons. Fast forward many, many years (after realising I am but human) I voiced a character for a Disney animation, Iwájú,”

The series is created by Hamid Ibrahim, Toluwalakin Olowofoyeko and Kugali co-founder Ziki Nelson.

Epic Nigerian movie Orisa is set to premiere on Amazon’s streaming platform Prime Video this weekend.

The movie is directed by Odunomo Adekola, produced by FilmOne Studios and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment. The cast includes Femi Adebayo, Shaffy Bello, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule and Muyiwa Ademola.

Set in Yoruba land, Orisa follows a warrior who joins forces with a band of highly proficient fighters. Their illicit undertakings become a challenge for both the king and other underworld factions in the city.

The film was released in cinemas last July and made it into the top five highest grossing Nollywood films of the year. FilmOne licensed the movie to Prime Video.