Disney Selects Major African Animation Experts For Upcoming Series 'Kizazi Moto'

Disney has tapped some of Africa's top toon experts for its upcoming anthology animated series Kizazi Moto.

Per an exclusive report from Variety, Kizazi Moto is a Disney Plus Original anthology of animated films that will premiere on the company's streaming platform in the later part of 2022.

Disney Plus and ESN Plus President Michael Paull said of the project: "We are bringing the work of a visionary new generation of African filmmakers to Disney Plus.

"In addition to delivering thrilling animation for fans of all ages, this collection of ten original films taps into the Afrofuturism phenomenon which was turbo-charged by Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ and reflects Disney’s ongoing commitment to partnering with leading global talent to tell the stories of the world from fresh and authentic points of view.

"I’m really pleased to be part of a ground-breaking, fresh and exciting project that’s aimed at exposing the world to a whole new wave of creativity and invention from a place that is just ready to explode onto the world animation scene.

"The films in the anthology kind of run the gamut when it comes to science fiction. There are stories that touch on other worlds, time travel, and alien beings, but all of these genre conventions are seen through an African lens that makes them totally new.

"I can’t wait for people to have their minds blown and say, ‘I want more!’”

Kizazi Moto is inspired by Africa's diverse cultures and histories, with its 10-part episodes bringing together a group of rising animation talents from six nations of the continent to make action-fueled science-fiction and adventure stories that will showcase bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits, and monsters imagined from unique African perspectives.

Serving as executive producer of the series is award-winning director Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), while Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston as supervising producers. 

Over 70 leading creators and directors from across the African continent were given the opportunity of pitching their ideas, and 15 shortlisted projects were mentored by Ramsey and the creative teams.

The 10 final films are from Ahmed Teilab (Egypt), Simangaliso “Panda” Sibaya and Malcolm Wope (South Africa), Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane (South Africa), Ng’endo Mukii (Kenya), Shofela Coker (Nigeria), Nthato Mokgata and Terence Neale (South Africa), Pious Nyenyewa and Tafadzwa Hove (Zimbabwe), Tshepo Moche (South Africa), Raymond Malinga (Uganda) and Lesego Vorster (South Africa).