Disney to Release Animated Series in Africa

On Thursday, Disney EMEA hosted its annual Studio Focus at this year’s Annecy Animation Festival, pre-recorded for the second year in a row.

The company announced unveiled new and returning animated kids projects out of Europe and Africa, which includes "Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire", a new 10-part sci-fi anthology executive produced by Oscar-winning "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" co-director Peter Ramsey.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse[/caption]

The short movies are set to be made by talents from such places as Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.

Orion Ross, VP of original programming and animation for Disney EMEA, noted that the shorts seek to answer the question: “What does Africa’s future look like from an African perspective?" as well as tap into the Afrofuturism that was turbocharged by Marvel’s "Black Panther".

“This year’s fest is about celebrating African animation. We would like to start with how Disney is embracing the vast talent from this continent,” added Ross.

"Triggerfish" is the lead production house for a late 2022 global launch on Disney Plus.

Disney Junior and Disney+ have also picked up "Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes", a pre-school series created by South African Kelly Dillon and Marc Dey. It will be produced by eOne and Frog Box.

The production centers around a 7-year-old African girl who loves ballet and martial arts. She and her two best friends transfer into superheroes ready to defend their community when they wear magical crystal headbands. A global launch is set for 2023.

Disney Channel also ordered "Kiff", an animated series about an optimistic squirrel and her best friend bunny, Barry, which will be created by South African Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal, who will also serve as executive producers. Kent Osborne is also set to serve as co-producer and story editor.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Chip 'n' Dale[/caption]

In other news, the dynamic chipmunk duo is set to return on July 28 to the Disney+ with "Chip 'n' Dale: Park Life".

Disney Channel has also ordered more "Miraculous", "Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir", and "Ghost Force" which are both set to debut this year.

Meanwhile, "Viking Skool "and "The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti" are set to arrive in 2022.

On the other hand, Disney Junior is further adding more "PJ Masks",  and "Gigantosaurus".