Toei Co Partners with Pambili Media for Samurai Epic ‘Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly’
Toei Co has signed a co-production deal with South Africa’s Pambili Media to develop the historical film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly.” This movie follows an African warrior who became a samurai in 16th century Japan. Directed by Mandla Dube, the project represents a significant collaboration between Japan and Africa, aiming for cultural authenticity and global reach. The production plans to utilize Toei’s Kyoto Studios and seek government support for filming.
Toei Co, a renowned Japanese studio, has entered into a co-production deal with Pambili Media, founded by South African filmmaker Mandla Dube, to develop the feature film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly”. This historical epic focuses on the real-life figure Yasuke, an African warrior who rose to become a samurai in 16th century Japan. Dube will write and direct the film, which is part of Pambili Media’s development plan supported by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC).
The narrative is set during the era of the Mwenemutapa Empire, exploring Africa’s trade connections with India, China, and East Asia. It follows Yasuke’s journey as he transitions from Africa to feudal Japan, where a local lord recognizes his prowess and valor, ultimately granting him the status of a samurai. The producers characterize this film as a significant international cinematic endeavor that highlights both unrecognized historical narratives and the connections across continents.
This initiative, led by Yuji Kojima, Toei’s Vice President and Head of Kyoto Studios, is part of Toei’s broader strategy to expand internationally through co-productions and original content tailored for global audiences. This partnership signals a meaningful collaboration between Japan and Africa within the global media landscape.
Mandla Dube is recognized for his work on the Netflix thriller “Silverton Siege” and the hit “Heart Of The Hunter,” which showcased his ability to craft compelling narrative driven by real-life events. The development deal was announced during a cocktail event in Los Angeles, attended by notable figures including Toei CEO Fumio Yoshimura and Consul-General Kenko Sone.
Kojima expressed excitement regarding this project, emphasizing it as an opportunity to reimagine an extraordinary historical journey while maintaining Toei’s commitment to producing innovative stories. Dube echoed this sentiment, calling the collaboration with Toei “a dream come true” and expressing a dedication to cultural authenticity in their storytelling.
Toei has a rich history of samurai film production, with many films made at its Kyoto studios. The producers of “Yasuke” plan to partially film in Kyoto and are seeking support from the Japanese government through the recently extended JLOX+ incentive scheme.
In summary, Toei Co’s partnership with Pambili Media marks a significant development in the collaboration between Japanese and South African cinema through the film “Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly.” This project not only aims to tell an important historical narrative but also showcases the growing international relationship within the media industry. With strong leadership from Dube and Kojima, the film promises cultural authenticity and global appeal, potentially enriching the cinematic landscapes of both countries.
Original Source: deadline.com
