Netflix and UNESCO launched the “African Folktales, Reimagined” short film contest in October 2021 to highlight Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The competition is a part of the Netflix Creative Equity Fund, aiming to enable new voices from underrepresented communities within entertainment to bring their perspectives to a global audience.
The short films will feature reimagined African folktales presented in multiple African languages. These filmmakers will receive a $25,000 personal award, training &mentoring from industry professionals, and a $75,000 budget to produce their short films to premiere on Netflix this year to be shown to their global audience.
The six winners are:
• Mauritania: Mohamed Echkouna with The Enmity Djinn
• Tanzania: Walter Mzengi with Katope
• Nigeria: Korede Azeez with Adieu, Salut
• Nigeria: Voline Ogutu with Anyango and the Ogre
• Uganda: Loukman Ali with Katera of the Punishment Island
• South Africa: Gcobisa Yako with Uma’Mlambo


