Toei Co and Pambili Media Forge Historic Partnership for Yasuke Film

Toei Co has formed a co-production deal with South Africa’s Pambili Media for “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly,” a film about an African warrior who became a samurai in Japan. Directed by Mandla Dube, the story is set in the 16th century and aims for cultural authenticity and engaging storytelling. This collaboration signifies a new era of Japan-Africa partnerships in media, with partial filming planned at Toei’s Kyoto Studios.

Toei Co, a prominent Japanese studio, has entered into a co-production development agreement with South Africa’s Pambili Media, founded by filmmaker Mandla Dube. This partnership focuses on the film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly,” which explores the life of a real African warrior who became a samurai in Japan. This project is part of Pambili Media’s six-picture development slate and enjoys support from the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC).

The film, which is set against the backdrop of the Mwenemutapa Empire’s rich history and trade connections with regions like India and East Asia, narrates Yasuke’s journey from Africa to feudal Japan in the 16th century. There, he earned the status of samurai through his exceptional prowess as a warrior, highlighting themes of history and cross-continental connections.

Yuji Kojima, Toei Vice President and Head of Kyoto Studios, leads this initiative, which forms a part of Toei’s broader international expansion strategy involving co-productions and the creation of original content. This collaboration represents a significant step in fostering Japan-Africa partnerships in the global media landscape.

Mandla Dube’s previous works include Netflix’s action thriller “Silverton Siege” and the adaptation of Deon Meyer’s novel, both of which have gained recognition. The announcement of this project took place at a cocktail event in Los Angeles attended by various dignitaries and industry professionals, including Toei Co CEO Fumio Yoshimura and Consul-General Kenko Sone.

Kojima expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating the collaboration not only allows for a reimagining of Yasuke’s historical narrative but is also in line with Toei’s tradition of bold storytelling. Dube shared his excitement about the opportunity to work with Toei, emphasizing the pursuit of cultural authenticity through engaging storytelling.

Toei has a rich history of producing samurai films, with many shot at the Toei Kyoto Studios. The producers of “Yasuke” plan to utilize these studios for filming and seek support from the Japanese government through the JLOX+ incentive scheme, which has been extended.

The collaboration between Toei Co and Pambili Media on the film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly” represents a significant milestone in cross-cultural film co-productions. With Mandla Dube at the helm, the project seeks to authentically depict Yasuke’s remarkable journey from Africa to Japan. This partnership underscores the growing relations between Japan and Africa in the realm of global media, enhancing the narrative landscape with rich historical storytelling.

Original Source: deadline.com