Netflix Unveils South African Programming Slate at MIP Africa – Global Bulletin

AFRICA AMPLIFIES

Netflix presented its upcoming South African content lineup at MIP Africa on Tuesday. The slate includes series “Love Never Lies: South Africa,” a reality show featuring six couples testing their trust with lie detectors. Premieres Nov. 29.

The streamer also unveiled several films. “Happiness Is,” the latest instalment in the romantic comedy franchise, following a group of friends navigating personal challenges, debuts Oct. 18. “Umjolo” is a four-part anthology series, with the first film “Umjolo: The Gone Girl” releasing Nov. 8. The story centers on a young woman whose engagement takes an unexpected turn. And “Disaster Holiday,” a comedy about a workaholic attempting to prove his parenting skills during a family vacation, is set to release Dec. 13.

Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s VP of content for Middle East and Africa, said: “We are incredibly excited to continue strengthening our relationships with our production partners in South Africa and bringing diverse and authentic local stories by local storytellers to our local and global audiences. We have seen South African stories not only be loved locally, but they have also found a fandom in many countries around the world. This is only a small taste of what’s to come next on Netflix as we continue our work to bring local South African and international stories to entertain our 278 million members around the world.”

JURY JEWELS

The 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), set for Oct. 2-11, has revealed its jury lineup for the Jiseok, BIFF Mecenat and Sonje Awards. Christian Jeune (Cannes Film Festival) and filmmakers Prasanna Vithanage and Shin Suwon will judge the Kim Jiseok Award, which honors new features from established Asian filmmakers.

The BIFF Mecenat Award for documentaries will be decided by filmmakers Mohsen Makhmalbaf and Jéro Yun and Fujioka Asako (Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival). Filmmakers Lim Daehyung, Constance Tsang and Yamanaka Yoko will select winners for the Sonje Award, recognizing top Korean and Asian shorts.