Netflix presented a preview of upcoming programming for the end of 2023 and into 2024 at MIP Africa during a panel session entitled See What’s Next on Netflix. In addition, the streaming service presented its multi-title partnerships with local filmmakers who will create a diverse range of stories across genres.
A sneak peek of the upcoming titles showcased at the event include:
*NEW & RETURNING SERIES
- Miseducation, a brand new Young Adult series from Burnt Onion Productions (How To Ruin Christmas) making its debut on Netflix on 15 September 2023. The story follows a young, self-absorbed, first-year varsity student ‘Mbali Hadebe’ (Buntu Petse) who finds herself on the cancelled list after the police raid her house and seize her family’s assets because of her mother, ‘Brenda Hadebe’ (Baby Cele) corrupt political dealings. Embarrassed and with her tail between her legs, Mbali runs to Grahamstown University in Makhanda, where she strives to reinvent herself and escape her mother’s corrupt legacy. [Images: Here]
- YOH’ Christmas is a new holiday season series to delight members when it launches on Netflix later this year. The series is produced by Johnny Barbuzano, Tiffany Barbuzano and Morishe Matlejoane for BBZEE Productions. More details about the title and cast will be shared at a later date.
- Blood & Water Season 4 – Parkhurst High’s finest are coming back to delight our members with more thrilling (and hard-earned) life lessons. The new season of the local and international hit series from writer and director Nosipho Dumisa and Gambit Films will launch in the first quarter of 2024. [Images: Here]
- Savage Beauty Season 2, the mystery drama series following the powerful Bhengu family and their global beauty empire is set to return with another drama-filled season, and everyone is out for revenge. Created by Lebogang Mogashoa and produced by Quizzical Pictures, Savage Beauty season two comes to Netflix in 2024. [Images: Here]
- Young, Famous & African Season 3, Africa’s favourite pan-African reality series featuring an all-star cast from South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda has been renewed for a third season, with production to kick off soon.
*FEATURE FILMS:
- Kandasamys: The Baby, the hilarious and heartfelt next chapter in the Kandasamys film franchise from writer and director, Jayan Moodley, which was shot on location in South Africa and Mauritius will premiere on Netflix on 20 October 2023. [Images: Here]
- Heart of the Hunter, is a twisty spy-thriller based on the novel by acclaimed author Deon Meyer and directed by the renowned Mandla Dube (Silverton Siege) featuring an all-star cast. Launching in the first quarter of 2024. [Images: Here]
- Soweto Love Story – a rom-com set in the heart of Johannesburg’s famous township, will also launch on Netflix in the first quarter of 2024.
Also announced were several multi-title partnerships with acclaimed South African filmmakers and production houses. This is the most significant expansion so far as Netflix ramps up investment in the South African film and television industry.
Initially announced in 2022 and the first deal of its kind with a South African filmmaker, acclaimed writer, producer and director, Mandla Dube partnered with Netflix on a three-picture deal, the first project of which, Heart of the Hunter, will be coming to Netflix in the first quarter of 2024. Mandla has previously directed the Netflix film, Silverton Siege, while also having directed several episodes of the Netflix South Africa series, JIVA!
Netflix shared its local partnerships with acclaimed local filmmakers and production houses including:
- Akin Omotoso and Ochre Media for multiple-title book adaptation partnership;
- Local and international director Donovan Marsh (iNumber Number, Spud & Spud 2, Hunter Killer and I Am All Girls) on a three-picture film partnership, the first of which was the recently released Netflix film, iNumber Number: Fool’s Gold.
- Award winning Film and TV production company, Gambit Films, on a multi-title partnership across various genres and formats (series and films). The team at Gambit Films are behind the hit Netflix South Africa series Blood & Water and Unseen starring Gail Mabalane.
- Writer, producer and director, Jayan Moodley (The Kandasamys franchise) is on a three-picture partnership starting off with the next instalment of the Kandasamys series of films, Kandasamys: The Baby currently in production.
- Award-winning production house Stained Glass Productions led by acclaimed producers Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Pepsi Pokane, on a multi-title book adaptation partnership across a variety of genres.
- Acclaimed producers Mandla Ngcongwane and Mpumelelo Nhlapo and their award-winning production house, Black Brain Pictures on a multi-title partnership for films and series.
Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of Content for Middle East and Africa: “We are incredibly excited to continue with our investment in South African storytelling and to expand our relationships with these amazing storytellers. These long-term partnerships with local filmmakers have enabled us to uncover unique perspectives and diverse stories from South Africa to entertain our more than 238 million members around the world. This is why we’re committed to investing in South Africa’s creative industry and showcasing the incredible talent the country has to offer. ”
