The 10-part collection of animated short films are inspired by African diverse histories and cultures, and introduces visions of the continent as never seen before.
By Helena Olori
Disney+ has announced a premiere date for its Sci-Fi/African animated anthology, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. The 10-part collection of original animated short films, created by top African talents, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday 5 July.
The short film series was first announced at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2021, and will make its debut at the 2023 Annecy festival scheduled to hold in France from 11-17 June.
The projects, inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, were chosen from over 70 creators from across Africa who were invited to pitch ideas for the anthology.
(Read also: Netflix to Debut “Supa Team 4,” its First African Animated Superheroes Series, in July)
Created by a new generation of animators from Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, the series features 10 futuristic visions of Africa and new worlds of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters as seen in the official trailer video released.
The selected short films include Moremi by Shofela Coker, Herderboy by Raymond Malinga, Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer by Simangaliso ‘Panda’ Sibaya and Malcolm Wopé, Stardust by Ahmed Teilab, Hatima by Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane, Enkai by Ng’endo Mukii, Surf Sangoma by Nthato Mokgata and Catherine Green, You Give Me Heart by Lesego Vorster, First Totem Problems by Tshepo Moche, and Mukudzei by Pious Nyenyewa and Tafadzwa Hove.
(Read also: Kwazulu-Natal Film Commission Calls for Entries for 10th Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards)
Confirmed voice cast for the series includes Black Panther actress, Florence Kasumba, South African rapper, Nasty C, and Nigerian actress, Kehinde Bankole, known for her role in the thriller series Blood Sisters. Pearl Thusi, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Amir Hedayah, Lillian Dube, Tyson Ngubeni, Sheila Munyiva, and Egyptian born American actor, Mo Ismail, are also confirmed to be part of the series.
Kizazi Moto:Generation Fire is produced by Peter Ramsey, executive producer and co-director of the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, alongside Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston from South African Triggerfish, the lead production studio on the project.
The feature-length anthology will be released as a Disney+ Original worldwide.