Movies, animation, comics, gaming and tech. Want to know what’s happening in Africa and beyond? Here’s the Run Down for this week.
NEWS OUT OF AFRICA – Tech/Comics
Meet Africa No Filter
For decades Africa has been viewed through a lens that portrayed it in poverty-stricken, corrupted, conflicted, disease-ridden garb.
As a result Africa is often stereotypically portrayed as the “damsel-in-distress.’” Wait, make that the “continent-in-distress”.
But brand new non-profit organisation, Africa No Filter seeks to change that.
Formed in 2021, the organisation’s aim is to change the narrative of Africa and tell stories that will inspire and instil pride and hope in the African people. And their virtual reality fund will take them a step further in realising their goals.
Africa No Filter Promote African VR Storytelling
Dubbed the “Future Africa: Telling Stories, Building Worlds”, is programme created in partnership by No Filter Africa and Meta. The programme aims to support extended reality and immersive storytellers to create new and moving content about Africa.
Applicants will receive funding of up to $30 000 and have the opportunity to tell an enthralling African story using 360 video, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality. They will also be presented with mentorship opportunities and a chance to have their work showcased.
With applications having closed on 7 January 2022, the programme will run from 13 February, 2022 to 13 August, 2022.
A start but hopefully not the end, this new programme goes a long way in helping shift the perceptive of Africa and help the world see it in a brighter light.
Who are Black Hut Comics?
A Zambian-based comic book company, Black Hut Comics aims to utilise their content to unite fans worldwide.
Formed in 2015, the semi-fledgling company has already made a name for itself having had three of its titles shortlisted for the Graphic Novel Award at the African Speculative Fiction Society’s Nommo Awards 2021.
The Nommo Awards take place annually and highlights speculative fiction created by African. Awards are given in categories including, novellas, novels, short stories, comics and graphic novels.
Black Hut Comics’ titles that made the shortlist include Alex, Black Sheep and Titan, all of which tell unique and dynamic tales.
Black Hut Comics’ Unique Stories
Black Hut Comics’s first release, Titan is a superhero tale that sees young Felix’s life changed after a school trip to a newly built nuclear plant.
Their second comic, is set in a world of the same name and follows the story a young cadet who must face off against strange visitors who come to his planet .
Finally, their latest release Black Sheep follows the story of a delinquent named Malaika who seek redemption and answers to a mysterious power that allows her to view the inner demons of other people.
All their titles are available on their website.
Check out more https://blackhutcomics.wixsite.com/blackhutcomics
NEWS BEYOND AFRICA – Tech/Gaming
Playstation’s Next Generation VR Headsets
Sony has officially announced the development of Playstation VR2 headsets.
According to their blog, the headsets will do away with external cameras and make use of internal cameras instead, allowing them to detect what players are looking at and in turn trigger various in-game options.
The headset will have a 4k OLED display and boasts a 110 degree viewing field. They will also feature a sensory feedback feature which gives players a simulated experience of in-game action.
But that’s not all, Sony are also currently developing game that will be coupled with the headset, Horizon: Call of the Mountain.
Playstation’s VR Game Horizon: Call of the Mountain
A spin-off from Guerilla Games’ other Horizon titles, Horizon: Call of the Mountain will be Playstation’s first title made specifically for PSVR2 (PlayStation VR2)
The game is currently being developed by Guerilla and Sony’s recent acquirement, Firesprite.
Check out more https://collider.com/horizon-call-of-the-mountain-vr-game-playstation/