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 – Gaming/Animation

New Teaser For Afro-futuristic Series Azania Rises

South-African based, Formation Animation Studios have released a new teaser for the Afro-futuristic series, Azania Rises.

In the year 2070, all 54 African nations have united and become a single nation called Azania. Azania Rises is a CGI, 3D animated series that follows the story of a unit of Azanian peacekeepers that traverse the world offering humanitarian aid but they are thwarted in their mission by factions seeking to divide the nation.

Check out the teaser trailer https://youtu.be/1p-GjUb18ZU

Azania Rises will be released in 2022.

Check out more https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjoUs9wS2VZgQqnfYtWOkQ

NODWIN GAMING LAUNCH AFRICAN COMMUNITY TOURNAMENTS

“From the start, our goal was clear: Build sustainable local esports ecosystems from the ground up. Today we are taking one more step down that path by expanding to additional games and offering their communities a way to show off their skills.”  NODWIN Gaming’s Head of International, Merlin Wiedeking

Following the creation of their Africa division in 2021, NODWIN Gaming has revealed that they will be launching four tournaments in Africa. Titles will include Garena Free Fire, Call of Duty: Mobile, League of Legends and PUBG and each tournament will feature a 100 (USD) prize pool.

African gamers of all skill levels are welcome, excepting those residing in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) regions.

Whilst the tournaments will not be broadcast, the hope is that the tournaments will support African grass roots talent and expand the African gaming market.

Registration is free and is open until 22 March 2022.

Find out more https://www.nodwingaming.africa/

NEWS BEYOND AFRICA – Animation/Movies

The Clock Ticks Down to Halo Episode 1

The clock is ticking down to the premiere of the first episode of Halo. The series, which has seen a lengthy production process, will be released on Paramount Plus on 24 March, 2022.

Watch the latest trailer https://youtu.be/b4doITNi2RE

It is a sci-fi show about characters both heroic and fallible, about having hope against overwhelming odds, and a central question – what are we willing to sacrifice of our humanity to save it?Kiki Wolfkill, Head of Halo Transmedia at 343 Industries

Halo stars Pablo Schrieber as the Master Chief aka Spartan-117, Natascha McElhone as Dr Halsey and Jen Taylor as the AI, Cortana.

In preparation for the series’ upcoming release, the show has been made available on X Box Game Pass Ultimate.

Exciting News For X Box Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers!

The Halo  series will be made available on X Box Game Pass Ultimate.

Subscribers will be offered a free 30 Day membership of Paramount Plus, starting on 23 March, 2022.

Check out more https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/18/22984863/xbox-game-pass-ultimate-30-day-trial-paramount-plus-halo-tv-show

Ainbo Creators Begin Work on New Feature Film Kayara

Following the success of their animated feature film Ainbo, Peruvian animation studio, Tunche Films are now working on another. Partnering up with Toonz Media Group they will co-produce a brand new feature titled, Kayara.

Set amidst the Inca civilization, Kayara follows the story of a young Inca woman who dreams of becoming the first female Chasqui Messenger, an elite group of official messengers in the Incan Empire.

As she sets out on her journey, she must overcome numerous obstacles whilst uncovering the ancient stories of her people and land.

Kayara is scheduled for release in 2024.

Check out more https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/toonz-teams-with-ainbo-studio-tunche-for-kayara/