Portal:African cinema/DYK/7

Atlas Studios is a film studio located in Morocco and is regarded as the world’s largest film studio based on its acerage. It was established by Mohamed Belghmi in 1983. The studio benefits from the area’s favourable climate and the diversity of the natural landscapes, allowing for the effective portrayal of various environments. Many of the studio sets from previous film productions serve as tourist attractions with guided tours. Notable productions include Game of Thrones, Aladdin and the British TV series Atlantis.

Fanta Régina Nacro was the first Burkinabè woman to direct a narrative film. Her films are known for challenging societal norms, traditions, and the role of men in Burkinabè society, often using humor to address sensitive issues from AIDS and sexual health to gender roles.

Djibouti-Canadian film director and screenwriter Lula Ali Ismaïl is the first woman from Djibouti to produce a film, earning her the nickname of "the first lady of the Djibouti cinema”.

The Moroccan documentary Trances (1981) directed by Ahmed El Maânouni following the Moroccan band Nass El Ghiwane was restored in 2007 by Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project. Trances was the Project’s first restoration.

Three South African actors Thuso Mbedu, John Kani and Kagiso Lediga will  be part of the cast of Disney’s upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King film. Legida will play the role of young Rafiki while Kani will play the role of older Rafiki. The film is set to be released in theaters in December 2024