Bela Bajaria Chief Content Officer at Netflix | Official website
Netflix offered an exclusive preview of its upcoming South African programming and global titles set for release by the end of 2024 at MIP Africa in Cape Town. Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of Content for the Middle East and Africa, presented a diverse slate that underscores Netflix's commitment to delivering authentic local stories from South Africa across various formats and genres.
The event featured sneak peeks of new local series and films:
**Blood Legacy**, from Gambit Films, debuts on September 20, 2024. The drama revolves around Spear Industries as it searches for a new CEO following the murder of patriarch Bheki Ndlovu (Treasure Nkosi). The series stars Xolile Tshabalala, Buyile Mdladla, Mike Ndlangamandla, Connie Chiume, Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Pallance Dladla, Wiseman Zitha, and Unathi Mkhize.
**Love Never Lies: South Africa**, produced by Rapid Blue, will premiere on November 29, 2024. This reality show tests six couples' trust using an eye-scanning lie detector where deception costs money and truth brings rewards.
**Happiness Is**, the continuation of the Happiness film franchise produced by Blingola Media with Bongiwe Selane as Creative and Executive Producer, releases on October 18, 2024. It explores friendships facing internal weaknesses.
**Umjolo: The Gone Girl**, part of a four-part anthology from Stained Glass TV directed by Fikile "Mr Fiks" Mogodi and executive produced by Gugu Zuma-Ncube launches on November 8, 2024. It tells the story of a woman whose life changes after a doctor's appointment despite having a perfect boyfriend.
**Disaster Holiday**, directed by Rethabile Ramaphakela from Burnt Onion Productions debuts on December 13, 2024. This holiday comedy follows a workaholic trying to prove his worth as a father during an impromptu family vacation.
International titles highlighted include:
**Spellbound**, an animated feature launching on November 22, 2022. Directed by Vicky Jenson with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater features voices from Rachel Zegler to Nicole Kidman.
**That Christmas**, based on Richard Curtis's children's books premieres December 6, 2024. Directed by Simon Otto with producers Nicole P. Hearon and Adam Tandy; it intertwines tales about family dynamics during Christmas time.
The return of **Squid Game** streams on December 26, 2024. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk with returning cast members Lee Jung-jae among others; it continues the story of contestants in extreme survival games for cash prizes.
Ben Amadasun stated: “We are incredibly excited to continue strengthening our relationships with our production partners in South Africa and bringing diverse and authentic local stories by local storytellers to our local and global audiences. We have seen South African stories not only be loved locally but they have also found fandom in many countries around the world.”
