Movies, animation, comics, gaming and tech. Want to know what’s happening in Africa and beyond? Here’s the Run Down for this week.

NEWS OUT OF AFRICA – Animation/Tech

Spoof Animation Kickstart Ajaka: Lost in Rome

Emerging Nigerian -based studio, Spoof Animation has teamed up with J1 Studio to create a new action packed animation called, Ajaka: Lost in Rome.

The 10 min short film follows the story of an Oyo king betrayed by his brother and sold into slavery in Rome. Once there, he must fight for his freedom and the chance to return to the Motherland.

Watch the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNQekO-y4Yo

Spoof Animation have launched this project on Kickstarter and backers stand the chance of winning a copy of the short film, a digital art book and producer cred.

The Kickstarter ends on 3 March, 2022.

Check out more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycCuTdRFLiM

The Distorted History of Pre-Colonial Africa

The history of pre-colonial Africa remains underappreciated and misunderstood. Not enough is shared about that era and when it is, it is through a distorted lens.

But Kenyan gaming studio, Jiwe Studios have set out to change that. And they are going to be using emerging tech to do it.

MetaReality Reshapes The History

Jiwe Studios has partnered with international organisations such as African Digital Media Institute (ADMI) and DRAGEN Lab, University of Waterloo, to collaborate on what has been dubbed as the MetaReality Project.

The studio will utilise Unreal Engine 4.26 and other rising technologies to create a digital and immersive recreation of pre-colonial Africa.

As part of the first phase of the project, the collaborators will digitally rebuild Bunce Island in Sierra Leone. Making use of a narrative structure, they will share the history that took place at that time.

Watch trailer https://youtu.be/TtfIYoOFqYA

The MetaReality Project aims to reach African and global audiences re-educate them on the history of Africa.

Find out more https://jiwe.studio/stories/metareality-project/

NEWS BEYOND AFRICA – Movies/Animation

Disney’s Lightyear Gets Ready for Takeoff!

Prepare yourselves for a swashbuckling, space adventure because Lightyear is ready for takeoff!

Disney and Pixar have finally released the official trailer for Lightyear and its action packed. Also, there’s a talking robot cat.

LightYear follows the origin story of the hero who inspired the beloved toy in Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear.

Watch the trailer https://youtu.be/BwZs3H_UN3k

The film stars Chris Evans as Buzz and will have Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Peter Sohn also lending their voices to the cast.

Award- winning composer Michael Giacchin, who has brought his talent to movies like the “The Incredibles”, “Up” and “Coco” will score the film.

Lightyear is scheduled for release on June 17, 2022.

Check out more https://www.awn.com/news/walt-disney-studios-drops-lightyear-trailer-and-poster

The Nightmare Begins in Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Marvel Studios have released a new official trailer for Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. And it truly is madness.

The new film will see Dr. Stranger journey into the unknown and traverse the mysterious realities of the Multiverse to face a new enemy.

Watch the trailer https://youtu.be/aWzlQ2N6qqg

Directed by Sam Raini the film will see Benedict Cumberbatch reprise his role as Dr. Strange alongside Chiwetel Eijofo, Benedict Wond, Rachel Mcadams and Elizabeth Olsen.

Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness releases exclusively in theatres on 6 May, 2022.

Check out more https://www.polygon.com/22932372/doctor-strange-2-voice-x-men-patrick-stewart-multiverse-of-madness-trailer