Netflix is providing a platform for a diverse selection of South African movies and TV shows from a variety of genres as the streaming service looks to capitalize on the growing number of African subscribers. There are signs that the investment in South African entertainment will pay off, as it’s estimated that Netflix will double its number of subscriptions to 5.8 million subscribers in Africa by 2026.
Previously, movies set in South Africa, such as the 1987 film Cry Freedom and the 2009 movie Invictus, were directed by non-Africans and starred American actors. But now, Netflix is giving South African filmmakers the opportunity to tell their own stories from an African perspective.
This includes movies examining the nation’s past such as Silverton Siege, which is based on the true story of three anti-apartheid freedom fighters, starring Thabo Rametsi, Noxolo Dlamini, and Stefan Erasmus, and portrays the stand-off in a bank in Silverton.
An Oscar winner – made in South Africa
My Octopus Teacher, a documentary produced by and starring the South African filmmaker Craig Foster, shows the friendship forged between Foster and a female octopus. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2021. The Oscar success is likely to inspire other South African filmmakers to showcase the marine biodiversity and wildlife of the country.
There is certainly plenty of scope for further documentaries with the Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa, known around the world for its wildlife, which includes lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. Besides documentary features, the Serengeti has inspired clothing ranges, interior design, sunglasses and even jackpot slot games. Netflix has also contributed to the fondness for elephants with its documentary the Ivory Game.
Confidence in African themes
Modern South African filmmakers and directors are also demonstrating their confidence by moving into genres usually dominated by imports from the United States. There has been a boom in South African action thrillers and the genre includes original TV shows such as the spy series Queen Sono, which subverts stereotypes with actress and model Pearl Thusi in the lead role. The versatility of South African movies is further shown by the romantic comedy Baby Mamas, which stars Salamina Mosese, Sthembiso Khoza, and Kay Smith.
Kings of Jo’burg is ostensibly a TV show about the criminal underworld of Johannesburg but also features a supernatural curse on the crime family. It’shoped that the South African example can be replicated by other nations on the continent. Ama Qamata, a star of “Blood and Water, said: “One of my proudest moments was people from the continent just saying ‘Wow, you really represented us in good light, you really showed the world the filmmaking we’re capable of.’”
The platform also showcases the best of South African comedy with popular stand-up comic Loyiso Gola, who specializes in irreverent comedy about race and politics, in his comedy special Unlearning and the stand-up special of Tumi Morake entitled Tumi or Not Tumi.
By featuring the diversity of South Africa, the streaming service Netflix has produced a range of popular movies and TV shows from a variety of genres. As the platform is predicted to double its subscribers in Africa over the next four years, we can look forward to seeing more African-made entertainment in the future.
