Netflix has unveiled upcoming South African titles set to premiere in 2023 and in the first quarter of 2024 at the ongoing MIP Africa in Cape Town. The content line-up includes originals like the fourth season of hit series Blood & Water, the second season of Savage Beauty, the third season of Young, Famous and African, new series Miseducation; and multi-title partnerships from Silverton Siege director Mandla Dube, Akin Omotoso, I Am All Girls director Donovan Mash and more.
“We are incredibly excited to continue with our investment in South African storytelling and to expand our relationships with these amazing storytellers,” said Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of Content for Middle East and Africa. “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.”
What to expect in the coming months
Series:
Miseducation
A brand new young adult series from Burnt Onion Productions (How To Ruin Christmas) premiering on 15 September 2023. Miseducation follows a wannabe self-absorbed influencer who after a public humiliation, enrols in a small-town university, where she aspires to regain her social status.
YOH’ Christmas
A new holiday season series produced by Johnny Barbuzano, Tiffany Barbuzano and Morishe Matlejoane for BBZEE Productions set to premiere at the end of 2023. More details about the title and cast will be shared at a later date.
Blood & Water Season 4
The new season of the Netflix hit series from writer and director Nosipho Dumisa and Gambit Films will premiere in the first quarter of 2024.
Savage Beauty Season 2
Also returning in 2024 is the mystery drama series that follows the powerful Bhengu family and their global beauty empire. Created by Lebogang Mogashoa, Savage Beauty is produced by Quizzical Pictures.
Young, Famous & African Season 3
The Pan-African reality series returns in 2024 with an all-star cast from South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda. Production set to kick off soon.
Feature films:
Kandasamys: The Baby
The 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. Kandasamys: The Baby is the first title in Moodley’s three-picture deal with Netflix.
Heart of the Hunter
This twisty spy-thriller is based on the novel by acclaimed author Deon Meyer (Trackers) and directed by the renowned Mandla Dube (Silverton Siege) featuring an all star cast. Launching in the first quarter of 2024, Heart of the Hunter is the first title in Netflix’s three-picture deal with Dube which was first announced in 2022.
Soweto Love Story
A rom-com set in the heart of Johannesburg’s famous township, to launch in the first quarter of 2024.
More content partnerships:
- Akin Omotoso and Ochre Media for multiple-title books adaptation partnership. Omotoso is also behind Netflix’s fantasy series The Brave Ones.
- 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 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 shows Blood & Water and Unseen, adapted from Turkish series Fatma.
- Award winning production house Stained Glass Productions lead by acclaimed producers Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Pepsi Pokane, on a multi-title book adaptation partnership across a variety of genres. Stained Glass is behind Showmax’s hit telenovela The Wife which was also a book adaptation.
- 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.
