African film-makers reimagine folktales as dark fantasy dramas for Netflix

From left: Walt Mzengi Corey from Tanzania, director of Katope; Gcobisa Yako, South Africa, who made MaMlambo; Voline Ogutu, from Kenya, maker of Anyango and the Ogre; Zabin Halima, Nigeria, director of Halima’s Choice; Loukman Ali, Uganda, who made Katera of the Punishment Island. Photograph: Simplice Kaze/Netflix

Traditional African tales of monsters, genies and malevolent spirits have been reworked for a contemporary audience in a new Netflix series.

Film-makers from Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Mauritania and Uganda have turned six traditional stories into dark fantasy dramas that cover topics including domestic violence, suicide and child marriage.