3 days ago
Legendary South African actor John Kani has revealed plans to establish a learning space aimed at building the capacities of African youth in the film industry. Kani, renowned for his role as T'Chaka, the father of T'Challa in Marvel's Black Panther, emphasized the need for training programs to harness talent in scripting, acting, and directing.
In an interview with Doreen Avio, Kani explained that these initiatives are designed to strengthen the African movie industry by empowering aspiring filmmakers and storytellers. “I am working with the ambassador. We are identifying locations to create learning spaces where we can upskill and enhance the quality of scriptwriting, acting, directing, and producing African stories,” he stated.
Kani underscored the importance of preserving and amplifying African narratives through high-quality productions. He believes such efforts will not only boost the industry but also provide a platform for authentic African voices to thrive on the global stage.
Currently involved in two major projects, Kani shared his busy schedule, which includes returning to South Africa to complete a film before attending the premiere of The Lion King. “I have to finish a movie I’m working on in South Africa and then, on the 9th, I’ll likely be on the red carpet for the opening of The Lion King. I’ve been working on it across two different projects now,” he said.
Kani’s remarkable career spans decades, earning him recognition both in Africa and internationally. He is best known for portraying T’Chaka in Marvel Cinematic Universe films such as Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther. Additionally, he brought Rafiki to life in the 2019 adaptation of The Lion King and appeared as Colonel Ulenga in Netflix’s Murder Mystery and its sequel, Murder Mystery 2. His contributions to the arts have cemented his status as one of Africa’s most celebrated actors.
By investing in training and capacity-building initiatives, Kani hopes to inspire the next generation of African filmmakers. His efforts aim to ensure that African stories are told authentically and resonate with audiences worldwide, paving the way for a more vibrant and globally competitive film industry.
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