The multi award-winning Nelson Mandela’s African Folktales mini-series launch on Monday, 8 July 2024 on SABC 2 at 15h30.
This animated mini-series comprises of folktales told to Former President Nelson Mandela by his mother and elders as a boy in the village of Qunu. These stories formed part of African folklore and history that shaped Madiba into the beloved hero he is remembered as today.
Acclaimed producers, Claudia Noble-Areff and Sheldon Noble of Noble Pictures, in collaboration with Nanda Soobben of the Centre of Fine Arts Animation and Design and Mind’s Eye Creative, partnered to create this selection of stories that have showcased both locally and internationally, mesmerising audiences young and old.
Officially selected to screen in 78 Film Festivals across the globe and in South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s Favourite African Folktales has not been short on critical acclaim.
Of the 78 selections at various festivals, the series has won 27 Best Animation Short Film Awards, an Audience Choice Award and Merit Award, and has received 4 Honourable Mentions, 2 nominations and was a finalist in 7 festivals.
In response to the critical acclaim and success enjoyed by the series, producer, Claudia Noble-Areff has been quoted, “The recognition of our work with multiple prestigious awards speaks volumes about the exceptional quality and impact of our series. These awards stand as a testament to the dedication, creativity, and excellence that we pour into our productions. They acknowledge the outstanding storytelling, animation, and overall craftsmanship that define our series.”
The award-winning production team also includes acclaimed Music Composers, Claude King and Rashid Lanie, seasoned Animators, Ethan Msithini and Waylon Hicken. Recipients of Best Screenplay, Elbon Noble, Camellia Ho Hip and Khadija Petlele.
Together, this exceptional team have created these memorable stories that share the love of storytelling through the lense of beloved former President, Nelson Mandela, who also was known for his for his love and advocacy for the wellbeing of children.
It is only fitting that these stories have found a home on the SABC’s much loved family channel, SABC 2 and form part of celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela, this Mandela Month.
“This project would not have been possible without the generous financial support of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFilm), the Department of Trade & Industry, and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Fund, to whom we are immensely grateful,” says Claudia Noble-Areff.
Episodic synopses:
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 not only be enthralled but will discover valuable lessons on resilience, courage, kindness, self-worth and generosity.
Fesito Goes to Market is the tale of a boywho has to fill his injured father’s shoes and take bananas to market, overcoming many obstacles along the way, including bullying, he proves to be “a man among men”.
The Sultan’s Daughter tells the story of Prince Ali, a young man who journeys to a far- away land to prove himself worthy of being a Sultan. On his journey, Ali bravely confronts grave robbers who releases the spirit of a deceased man, who unexpectedly becomes Ali’s magical helper.
The Lion, Hare and Hyena is a tale where an unlikely friendship develops between a Lion and a Hare, when a cunning hyenatries to outsmart the Hare in the role of underdog.
The Cloud Princess is the tale of Hare, who steals from a chief until one day he decides to plant his own crop. Through a seemingly unfortunate turn of events, after a bird has stolen from him, it is transformed into a Cloud Princess and the Hare’s wish of becoming a human is granted. An unlikely kinship develops between the two, which ultimately leads to the Hare-now turned Man has to prove his worthiness to the Cloud Princess’s father, the Cloud King, who after much resistance, comes to realise that people are more the same than they are different.
The Snake Chief is a tale about a chief’s son who longs to have people love him for who he is as opposed to the status he holds in the kingdom. After being transformed into a Snake by the village’s wicked Sangoma, he is assisted by a brave young lady who refuses to conform to the pressures of society. Together they embark on a journey where goodness triumphs over evil, as it always should.
The Mantis and the Moon tells the story of how Mantis became the Praying Mantis through his journey from pride to humility.
About Noble Pictures:
Noble Pictures, founded by the award winning duo, Claudia Noble-Areff and Sheldon Noble 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 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 produce and in so doing will provide quality stories, which viewers can watch on SABC. 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.
