British-Nigerian actor John Boyega is teaming up with Netflix to develop a slate of original African content films through his UpperRoom Production banner.
The multi-year deal will include two non-English films from Nigeria and one from Egypt all based on African stories, cast, characters, crew, literary properties, mythology, screenplays and/or other elements in or around African countries.
“Africa has a rich history in storytelling, and for Netflix, this partnership with John and UpperRoom presents an opportunity to further our investment in the continent while bringing unique African stories to our members both in Africa and around the world,” said David Kosse, VP of international film at Netflix.
“I am thrilled to partner with Netflix to develop a slate of non-English language feature films focused on African stories, and my team and I are excited to develop original material,” said Boyega. “We are proud to grow this arm of our business with a company that shares our vision.”
Marked as the year of extra investment in African productions, the collaboration between Netflix and Boyega comes in soon after the first African original content film ‘Queen Sono’ premiered on the platform last month.
The streaming platform has also signed an untitled Nigerian developing series deal with Akin Omotoso, which will star veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw. Other African originals set to premier on the platform by end of year includes South African productions ‘Blood & Water’ and the animated series ‘Mama K’s Team 4’.
