Netflix begins production of second original African series, Blood & Water
Shortly after announcing the production of its first African film – Queen Sono; the American streaming platform, Netflix Africa has begun the production for its second original African series, Blood & Water, a coming of age, mystery drama based in Cape Town.
The series will be directed by Award-winning director Nosipho Dumisa (Best Director, Fantasia International Film Festival) and produced by Gambit Films.
The Vice President of International Originals, Europe, Turkey and Africa, at Netflix Kelly Luegenbiehl, shared her thoughts on this new series saying, “We are excited to be investing further in African content and to collaborate with Nosipho and the team at Gambit Films to bring our second original series from South Africa to Netflix. Great stories are cosmopolitan, so we hope this gripping teen drama, with its concern on contemporary high school life, appeals to young adults from South Africa, as well as the rest of the world. Following on the heels of Queen Sono, Blood & Water is the next step in our further investment in original African content and we’re delighted to explore more projects across the region.”
The new series will feature a line-up of new, talented and young actors which include two newcomers in the female roles.
The series which is expected to debut globally on Netflix, in 190 countries, in 2020 is a story of a 16-year-old Puleng Khumalo played by Ama Qamata who stumbles upon a shocking secret from her family’s past – the cold case of her abducted-at-birth older sister.
In her search, Puleng finds an ally and assistant investigator in Wade, played by Dillon Windvogel (Arendsvlei) while having to handle the opinionated Wendy Dlamini, played by Natasha Thahane (Skeem Saam, The Queen, Lockdown).
The main act is played by Ama Qamata who has featured in the local drama series, ‘My Perfect Family’ and ‘Rhythm City’. Khosi Ngema makes her acting debut as Fikile “Fiks” Bhele, the second lead actress.
Popular SA model and actor Thabang Molaba plays the role of a high school bad boy trying to live up to his father’s high expectations.
Wade, Khumalo’s friend, and a fellow investigator is played by South African actor Dillon Windvogel.
Veteran actor, Sello Maake, Monique Rockman, Gail Mabalane, Sandi Schultz, Natasha Thahane, Arno Greef, Ryle De Morny, Get more Sithole, and Cindy Mahlangu complete the cast.
