Wednesday, 10 May 2023 – South Africa: The much-anticipated multi award-winning Nelson Mandela African Folktales mini-series will be launched on Monday, 15th of May 2023 in Durban at the Suncoast Cine Centre.
The mini-series comprises of folktales stories told to Former President Nelson Mandela as a boy in the village of Qunu by his mother and the elders. These stories were about the history and folklore of the African Continent, stories which formed and shaped Madiba into the beloved hero he is remembered for today. A product of Claudia Noble-Areff and Sheldon Noble of Noble Pictures in collaboration with Nanda Soobben of the Centre of Fine Arts Animation and Design, the mini-series has been showcased in various countries, mesmerising audiences who had the opportunity to watch it.
Officially selected in 76 festivals from countries such as United Kingdom (Manchester & London), United States (Chicago, Connecticut, San Antonio, Oklahoma), Australia, Germany, India, South Korea, Japan, Rome, Romania, Turkey, Africa (Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria) and of course South Africa, the mini-series received numerous accolades around the globe. From the 76 selections the films won 26 Best Animation Short Film Awards, an Audience Choice Award and Merit Award, and received 4 Honourable Mentions, 2 nominations and was a finalist in 7 festivals. The films in addition received Sub-category Awards from 4 Film Festivals for:- Best Producer, Best Director, Best Art Director, Best Editor, Best Music Composer, Best Animator and Best Screenplay.
“We are thrilled with the success the animated series has received globally, now it is time to continue with the momentum and afford our local children an opportunity to enjoy and learn from the stories told to our former President, Mr. Nelson Mandela. The themes of the folktales deal with love and loyalty, perseverance and responsibility, sharing and trust – all valuable lessons to be learnt and reinforced to the young ones. The animated project was produced with the financial support of the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission (KZNFilm), to whom we are extremely grateful”, says Claudia Noble-Areff.
The mini-series films can be streamed on our website :
https://www.noblepictures.co.za/
About the Nelson Mandela African Folktales:
We do not really mean, we do not really mean, that what we are going to say is true. “THESE ARE THE WORDS with which Ashanti storytellers begin their folktales since the majority of the stories have undergone many metamorphosis over the centuries as they acquired frills and tails. In this mini-series, children will discover a variety of favourite themes in African tales.
A tale of Fesito, who has to fill his sick father’s shoes and take bananas to market, overcoming obstacles, including bullying, proving that he is “a man among men”.
A tale of a cunning Hyena who tries to outsmart a Hare in the role of underdog in Lion, Hare and Hyena where an unlikely friendship develops between a Lion and a Hare.
A tale of Prince Ali, who journeys to a far- away land to prove himself worthy of being a Sultan. On his journey, Ali bravely confronts grave robbers which releases the spirit of the deceased man, who becomes Ali’s magical helper.
A tale of Hare who steals from a chief until one day he decides to plant his own crop. A bird steals from him and when she transforms into a Cloud Princess, he proves his worthiness to the Cloud King who comes to the realisation, that people are more the same then they are different.
A tale of how the Mantis became the Preying Mantis through his journey from pride to humility.
A tale of how the Chief’s son, transformed into a Snake by a wicked Sangoma, is assisted by a young brave lady who refuses to conform to the pressures of society. Together they embark on a journey, where goodness triumphs over evil; generous love and faith triumph over malice and everyone lives happily ever after, as it should be in folktales.
About Noble Pictures:
Noble Pictures is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company is an equal opportunity employer, and places particular emphasis on excellence of service to its clients as well as to the continuing education and skills development of its staff. Noble Pictures has aligned itself with a unique blend of emerging and established professional film makers, co-opted when in production, who apart from having expertise in all general aspects of the Film and Entertainment Industry have specialised skills which will not easily be surpassed, enabling it to form a production team, which is equipped to provide high quality productions.
Noble Pictures has created a platform for the streaming of the films it has produced. The company aims to revolutionize the independent film industry by making its platform available to film makers who have created new and exciting films, documentaries, and television series. Selecting only the best, Noble Pictures is gathering an impressive selection of “timeless” stories to stream and in so doing will provide quality stories, which viewers can watch at any time. Creating opportunities for young film makers and older film makers who were previously disadvantaged is the heart and soul of Noble Pictures, the center of the vision for which the company began.