For over 100 years, Disney has entertained the world with beloved stories and characters that create shared connections across multiple generations, through storytellers who also showcase the rich tapestry of the world’s communities, identities, history and traditions. Here on the continent is no different, with storytellers from and stories of Africa being celebrated.
Premiering this month on Disney+ is The Academy, the latest example of this commitment. Part of Disney’s People & Placesdocumentary series, the film is directed by Tribeca-winning South African filmmaker Julia Jansch (My Father the Mover) and produced by Cape Town-based Southern Point Pictures. Set at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, the story follows Azile Arosi, a young woman from Khayelitsha who discovers healing and purpose through sailing. What begins as an unfamiliar world soon becomes a path to self-belief and empowerment, culminating in her leading a race around Robben Island.
Guided by Academy manager Lindani Mchunu, Azile’s journey is a deeply personal story of resilience, identity, and access. Shot against the dramatic backdrop of Table Bay with sweeping visuals and an emotive score, The Academy challenges inequality and redefines legacy institutions — proving that, in the right hands, sport can be revolutionary. Julia Jansch captures this beautifully, once again using film to spotlight everyday heroes and inspire change.
And The Academy is just one of many stories you’ll find on Disney+ told by storytellers from the continent or inspired by Africa:
STAR WARS: VISIONS 2
In Star Wars: Visions Volume 2, South African writer-directors Nadia Darries and Daniel Clarke team up with Triggerfish Animation Studios to develop the animated adventure short Aau’s Song — a visually stunning tale that weaves African storytelling into the mythology of the Star Wars universe. Aau is an alien child who longs to sing and is raised by her loving, but stern father to stay quiet because of the calamitous effect her voice has on the crystals in the nearby mines. Darries and Clarke blend spiritual folklore with sci-fi adventure in a way that feels both universal and distinctly local.
KIZAZI MOTO: GENERATION FIRE
An action-packed animated sci-fi anthology that presents ten futuristic visions from Africa inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures. Executive produced by Oscar®-winning director Peter Ramsey, these ten short films made by a new generation of animation directors draw on uniquely African perspectives to imagine brave new worlds of advanced technology, aliens, spirits, and monsters. This is Africa as you’ve never seen it before – it’s a thrilling glimpse into the future of the continent’s storytelling.
KIFF
An animated buddy-comedy series from South African creators and executive producers Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal, featuring Kiff, an optimistic squirrel whose thirst for life takes her on countless adventures through her town with her naive and lovable bestie, a bunny named Barry. Set in a world where animals and magical oddballs tackle day-to-day life alongside one another, the series is inspired by the people and places Heavens and Smal experienced when they were growing up in Cape Town. With humour, heart, and a truly unique animation style, Kiff brings something fresh and unmistakably local to Disney’s global audience.
IWAJU
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Walt Disney Animation Studios teamed up with Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali, for a Disney+ original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds. Kugali filmmakers take viewers on a unique journey into the world of “Iwájú,” bursting with unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos. It’s a celebration of innovation, youth empowerment, and the power of African storytelling in a sci-fi setting.
Even some of Disney’s biggest blockbusters carry the unmistakable imprint of African talent.
BLACK PANTHER (2018)/ BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (2022)
In Marvel Studios’ Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, South African actors Dr. John Kani and Connie Chiume bring powerful authenticity to the world of Wakanda, playing King T’Chaka and a respected Mining Tribe Elder, respectively. Their performances honour African heritage and anchor the films in real cultural depth.
THE LION KING (2019) / MUFASA: THE LION KING (2024)
In Disney’s The Lion King (2019), the studio reimagined a the timeless classic with stunning visuals and an all-star cast — including Dr. John Kani as the wise shaman Rafiki. In the prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), he returned to the role, joined by South African comedian and filmmaker Kagiso Lediga who played a younger version of Rafiki, both delivering standout, celebratory performance.
Through collaborations with African studios, casting of local talent, and commissions that reflect real communities, Disney+ continues to build a platform where stories from Africa are not only told, they’re celebrated globally. Because at the heart of every great story isn’t just what’s told. it’s whose voice we choose to amplify.
QUEEN OF KATWE
Queen of Katwe is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair, the film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o and Madina Nalwanga.
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