The Netflix and UNESCO African Folktales Reimagined anthology premiered globally at a high-profile event held at KICC. This follows a call for submission that was done in late 2021.
The collection comprises six short films created by up-and-coming African storytellers. It debuted simultaneously at the Kalasha Film Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as on Netflix for audiences around the world.
The anthology features a range of African actors and actresses. They include Voline Ogutu (Kenya), Mohamed Echkouna (Mauritania) Walt Mzengi Corey (Tanzania), Korede Azeez (Nigeria), Loukman Ali (Uganda), and Gcobisa Yako (South Africa).
African Folktales Reimagined Short Stories
Anyango and the Ogre by Voline Ogutu (Kenya)
With the backdrop of a childhood folktale, 13-year-old Otis struggles to protect his younger siblings from a monster that lives inside their home. Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: Kiswahili and English; Director: Voline Ogutu; Producer: Sarah Hassan; Cast: Trevor Jones Kamau; Sarah Hassan, Produced by Alfajiri Productions.
Katera of the Punishment Island by Loukman Ali (Uganda)
Abandoned on an island, a woman grieving the loss of her baby exacts revenge on the powerful man who put her there. Genre: Thriller; Language: Runyankole and English; Director & Producer: Loukman Ali; Cast: Karababiito Tracy; Michael Wawuyo JR; Production company: Loukout Films.
Katope by Walt Mzengi Corey (Tanzania)
A young child with magical origins sets out on a journey to help end the drought that is devastating the community – even if it means risking their own life. Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and ciGogo; Director: Walt Mzengi Corey; Producer: Petrus Van Staden; Rebecca Mzengi Corey Cast: Jene Mahenyela Mwalimu; Rahele Matete; Production company: Solela Art and Film.
Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice) by Korede Azeez (Nigeria)
With 99% of the world population uploaded into virtual worlds, a young girl from a secluded Fulani village inadvertently elopes with an AI to escape an arranged marriage. Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy; Language: Hausa; Director: Korede Azeez; Producer: Kenneth Gyang; Cast: Habiba Ummi Mohammed; Adam Garba, Produced by Cinema Kpatakpata.
Enmity Djinn by Mohamed Echkouna (Mauritania)
Three generations after he was last summoned, an ancient Enmity Djinn finds himself in an unfamiliar city confronted by a familiar foe. Genre: Fantasy/Drama; Language: Hassaniya Arabic and French; Director & Producer: Mohamed Echkouna; Cast: Zainabou Ahmed Mohamed; Mamadou Mokhtar N’diaye Gueye.
MaMlambo by Gcobisa Yako (South Africa)
The mystical river being, MaMlambo, watches over the sacred waters of discarded bodies. Genre: Drama; Language: isiXhosa; Director: Gcobisa Yako; Producer: Pakiso Albertus; Cast: Simphiwe Dana; Zikhona Bali.
