Toei Co Partners with Pambili Media for ‘Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly’
Toei Co has partnered with South Africa’s Pambili Media, led by Mandla Dube, to produce the film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly.” The film tells the story of Yasuke, an African warrior who became a samurai in Japan, set against the backdrop of Africa’s Mwenemutapa Empire. The collaboration represents a further step in Toei’s international co-production efforts and aims for cultural authenticity and global appeal.
Toei Co, a prominent Japanese studio, has entered into a co-production development agreement with Pambili Media, led by South African filmmaker Mandla Dube. This collaboration will create the historical film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly,” focusing on the true story of an African warrior who became a samurai in Japan. Dube will both write and direct the movie, which is part of Pambili’s six-picture development slate, aimed at broadening the production scope through support from the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC).
The film’s narrative is set in Africa’s Mwenemutapa Empire, highlighting its trade connections with India, China, and East Asia. It chronicles Yasuke’s journey from Africa to feudal Japan in the 16th century, where he gained recognition from a local lord for his martial skills and dignity. Producers describe the project as a monumental cinematic event that explores untold historical narratives and cross-cultural connections.
Yuji Kojima, Toei Vice President, is steering this partnership, which is part of Toei’s strategy for international expansion through new co-productions and original works for worldwide audiences. This project signifies a novel collaboration between Japan and Africa in the media sector, enhancing global storytelling through unique perspectives.
Mandla Dube is known for his work on Netflix’s thriller “Silverton Siege” and “Heart Of The Hunter,” notable for being the first African feature to top Netflix’s global charts.
The announcement for “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly” occurred during a cocktail event in Los Angeles on April 10, attended by notable figures including Toei CEO Fumio Yoshimura and Consul-General Kenko Sone. Kojima remarked on the inspiration driven by Dube’s concept, emphasizing the project as an opportunity to depict an extraordinary historical journey aligned with Toei’s tradition of storytelling.
Dube expressed excitement over the collaboration with Toei, underscoring the importance of cultural authenticity while crafting a globally appealing narrative. He anticipates a productive partnership with the studio.
Toei’s legacy involving samurai films, many shot at Toei Kyoto Studios, brings authenticity to this project. Shooting is expected to partially take place at these studios, with plans to utilize Japanese government funding through the JLOX+ incentive scheme, which has recently been extended for an additional year.
The collaboration between Toei Co and Pambili Media marks a significant step in international film production, blending Japanese cinematic tradition with African storytelling. By bringing the story of Yasuke to the screen, both companies seek to explore themes of cultural authenticity and historical significance. This partnership not only enhances cross-continental cinematic contributions but also emphasizes the importance of diverse narratives in global media.
Original Source: deadline.com
