Toei Co has partnered with South Africa’s Pambili Media for the film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly,” directed by Mandla Dube. This historical epic chronicles the journey of Yasuke, an African warrior turned samurai in 16th-century Japan, set against the backdrop of Africa’s Mwenemutapa Empire. The collaboration marks a distinctive Japan-South Africa co-production effort, aimed at cultural authenticity and appealing to global audiences.
Toei Co, a prominent Japanese film studio, has formalized a co-production development agreement with South Africa’s Pambili Media, led by filmmaker Mandla Dube, for the historical film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly.” This project focuses on Yasuke, a real-life African warrior who attained the status of samurai in Japan. Dube will assume the roles of writer and director, marking a significant collaboration between Japan and South Africa, supported by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC).
Set in the historical context of Africa’s Mwenemutapa Empire and its trade links to regions such as India and China, the narrative recounts Yasuke’s journey during the 16th century from Africa to Japan, where he was honored by a local lord for his valor. The producers anticipate this epic story to serve as a “sweeping international cinematic event rooted in untold history and cross-continental connection.”
Led by Yuji Kojima, Vice President of Toei and the head of Toei’s Kyoto Studios, this development deal plays a crucial role in Toei’s strategy for international expansion. The partnership aims to facilitate international co-productions and produce original content to cater to global audiences, marking a notable milestone in the media collaboration between Japan and Africa.
Mandla Dube’s filmmaking portfolio includes the Netflix action thriller “Silverton Siege” and the highly acclaimed “Heart Of The Hunter,” the latter of which was the first African feature to reach number one on Netflix’s global charts.
The announcement of this film deal took place at a cocktail party in Los Angeles on April 10, attended by notable figures including Toei CEO Fumio Yoshimura and Consul-General Kenko Sone. Yuji Kojima expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that this endeavor not only reimagines a significant historical journey but also aligns with Toei’s tradition of producing genre-defining stories. Dube echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his aspiration for cultural authenticity and global appeal in the Yasuke narrative.
Toei, renowned for its legacy in samurai filmmaking with many productions done at Kyoto Studios, plans to use these facilities for “Yasuke. The film will also benefit from Japanese governmental support through the JLOX+ incentive scheme, recently renewed for an additional year, aiding the film’s production process.
In conclusion, Toei Co’s partnership with Pambili Media for “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly” signifies a groundbreaking development in international film collaboration. This project stands as a tribute to the historical legacy of Yasuke, while promoting cultural authenticity and aiming for a global audience. Furthermore, the support from the Japanese government illustrates a commitment to fostering such international ventures, enhancing cultural exchange in the media industry.
Original Source: deadline.com
