Disney has brought together top animation talents from across the African continent for an exciting project titled “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.” This anthology of animated films, set to debut on Disney Plus, draws inspiration from Africa’s rich histories and diverse cultures. The 10-part series showcases rising talents from six African nations, offering action-packed sci-fi and fantasy stories that present bold and imaginative visions of advanced technology, extraterrestrials, spirits, and monsters through a uniquely African lens.
One of the standout talents in this project is Raymond Malinga from Uganda, whose film “Herderboy” is part of the anthology. Malinga’s involvement in the project marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Ugandan director to helm an animated film for Disney. Speaking about his experience, Malinga expressed his pride in representing Uganda and Africa as a whole. He praised the collaboration with other talented directors, which pushed them to excel and create something exceptional.
Joining the project as executive producer is Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey, known for his work on “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Ramsey, along with supervising producers Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston, is enthusiastic about the ground-breaking nature of this initiative. He believes that “Kizazi Moto” will introduce the world to a fresh wave of creativity and innovation from Africa, captivating audiences with its unique perspective on science fiction and imaginative storytelling.
To select the final films, more than 70 leading directors and creators from across the continent were invited to pitch their ideas. After careful consideration and mentorship from Ramsey and the creative teams at Triggerfish and Disney, 15 projects were shortlisted. The anthology’s compelling lineup comprises 10 films from talented directors representing various African nations, including Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. Each film will be approximately 10 minutes long, culminating in a feature-length anthology of original animations, set to be released as a Disney Plus Original worldwide.
“Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” promises to be a trailblazing venture, giving global audiences a glimpse into the richness and diversity of African storytelling and creativity. With a mix of genres and innovative storytelling, the anthology is expected to captivate viewers, leaving them eager for more groundbreaking content from the African animation scene.