Words by Tess Becker
A new show on Disney+ will soon bring Afro-futurism to screens around the country. The series, called 'Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire', is an animated anthology of 10 sci-fi and fantasy short films that will premiere on the streaming platform next week.
The show has a stark message for young people about social media use and how to maintain a healthy balance in life.
Its director, South African filmmaker Lesego Vorster, said he wanted the series to tell young people: "Wake up and smell the flowers. Just put the phone down."
The show offers an opportunity to fourteen up-and-coming African filmmakers taking helm of the show, hailing from Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt.
The show is backed by American executive producer Peter Ramsey, best known for co-directing the Oscar-winning film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” as well as Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston from Cape Town-based Triggerfish, one of Africa’s leading animation studios.
“I really want people to come away with the idea that Africa really is as much part of pop culture as America or Europe or anywhere else,” Ramsey said.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
I Am A Girl NGO. They work to support girls across Barbados. Find out more and support them here.
American Forests. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
