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
Nigerian Esports Company Gamr Creating Opportunities for African Gamers
Whilst esports within the African continent is gaining traction, its growth has been stunted by lack of infrastructure. Esports stakeholders in the continent have made it clear that if this issue were addressed, the growth of African esports would improve immensely.
So, in a bid to solve that problem Nigerian esports start up, Gamr has announced their series funding.
Through this platform, Gamr will enable gamers to participate in tournaments, organizers to reach players within Africa as well as created opportunities for talented gamers to gain professional status.
This way, gamers in Africa can look forward to a brighter future.
Check out more https://theafrogamer.com/nigerian-esports-gamr-raises-seed-funding-from-empawa-africa-and-adrenaline-gaming
Nompi Vilakazi Tells Unique African Stories Through Buthano Pictures
In the words of writer and director, Nompi Vilakazi “The world is ready for African stories and African storytellers.”
As managing director of Animation development studio and live action production company, Buthano Pictures, Nompi Vilakazi has been geared towards creating heartfelt content that portrays positive images of African children and families to the world.
She has had the opportunity to do this through the 2D animated pre-school series, Pulane’s Adventures and the animated film, Gumboot Ants.
Inspired by the rich history of gumboot dancing in South Africa, Gumboot Ants follows the story of a young ant named Tap who auditions to be a gumboot dancer, a legacy left by his father.
On the other hand, digital artist, Mogau Kekana has also been making an impact with his film Red Ants.
Mogau Kekana’s Red Ants Explores Growth and Displacement in South Africa
A current student at GOBELINS in Paris, France, Mogau Kekana is an animator, illustrator and storyboard artist as well as the creator of the unique animated short film Red Ants.
Inspired by his own personal experiences of witnessing people raided by people dressed in red, Red Ants explores how ordinary people are affected by the growth and improvement of cities in South Africa. Only one minute long, the short film succinctly tells of a story of growth and displacement.
Spotlighted by SABC News, both Nompi Vilakazi and Mogau Kekana are artists making an impact in the animation industry in Southern Africa and beyond, showing the world that the time has come for African stories to be shared with the world.
Learn more about their journeys and see their work below.
Check out more https://youtu.be/ZK4Zi0dkzHM
NEWS BEYOND AFRICA – Movies/Tech
Star Wars: Visions’ Trailer is Out!
An animated film anthology set in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Visions is an upcoming Disney Plus project that will see seven Japanese studios telling stories in the galaxy far far away, from their own unique perspectives.
Announced earlier this year at the Anime Expo Lite, the trailer for this new project is finally out.
Check out the epic trailer here https://youtu.be/jtAsl-0o3O0
Star Wars: Visions is schedule for release on the 22 September 2022, exclusively on Disney Plus.
Find out more https://www.awn.com/news/first-epic-trailer-drops-star-wars-visions-anime-anthology-series
Marvel’s Got a New Series in the Works!
What might happen if Tony Stark’s technology fell into the wrong hands? This is the question that will be answered in Marvel’s new and upcoming series Armor Wars.
Apart from that, no other plot details have been revealed about the series that was announced during Marvel’s investor’s presentation. However, fans can expect to see Don Cheadle reprise his role as James Rhodes aka War Machine.
Sources also reveal that Yassir Lester will serve as the series writer and Marvel’s President, Kevin Fiege will continue to produce the series.
Find out more https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37364351/marvel-armor-wars-update-writer-yassir-lester/