Global Flicks: Two South African Films Screened At KIFF; HBO Max Latin America Developing Animated Batman Film

Africa: Two films from South Africa screened at the Kalasha International Film Festival this year. Taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, the fifth edition of the film festival showcased Joko Ya Hao by Mmabatho Montsho and Love Lives Here by Norman Maake. Joko Ya Hao follows stronghearted Christian woman Nozizwe (Simphiwe Dana) who challenged gender norms in the 50s. Love Lives Here follows Zihle (Thando Thabethe), who does everything in her power to prove she’s worth marrying. Their respective trailers can be seen here.  

Asia: The Brahmastra trailer has been released. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, the film is one of three that will open up the Astraverse. Much like the Marvel Universe, the Astraverse will introduce heroes powered by Indian mythology to face ancient evils. Narrating and starring in the trailer is beloved Amitabh Bachchan, who fans hope will be taking on a Nick Fury-esque role in the series. The film will be released in December this year.  

Netflix has greenlit the Korean action film Believer 2. With new director Baek Jong-Yeol () headlining the returning cast of cop crusaders, the new film will follow the team hunting a clever criminal gang. Production for the film should be underway in Korea later this year.  

Anurag Kashyap is opening for the London Indian Film Festival with his sci-fi film Dobaaraa. Starring Taapsee Pannu, the film is a remake of the Spanish film Mirage. The story follows how a young man witnesses death during a storm before dying himself. 20 years pass and a woman moves into his apartment, finding a connection to him and a chance to save his life. The London Film Festival will take place on July 1st.  

HBO Max Latin America

Latin America: HBO Max Latin America is launching a new Batman animated film titled Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios. Instead of Bruce Wayne, the film will delve into another hero that dawns the cape and cowl named Yohualli Coatl. After the murder of his father, Yohualli trains in the temple of Tzinacan, the bat god, to develop his skills and weapons to defeat the invading Spanish Conquistadors. The entire project will be developed in Mexico with the use of local talent. No release date has been confirmed as of now.