Flix Oven has announced the launch of its African-Korean filmmaker residency program, featuring C.J. Obasi, the director of “Mami Wata,” as the inaugural fellow. This unveiling took place at the Cannes Film Market.
The Seoul-based company has collaborated with Continental Entertainment, a production and representation agency focused on African talent, founded by Ozi Menakaya. This partnership aims to bring African filmmakers to Korea for extensive script development residencies.
Obasi will spend a month in Seoul crafting a new feature that aims to intertwine African and Korean cultures, with plans for a theatrical release. The project will be produced under the oversight of Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary, through their Revelations Entertainment label.
Obasi’s film “Mami Wata” made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023, where it was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and served as Nigeria’s entry for the 96th Academy Awards. A Variety review described the film as a “mysterious dream,” noting its striking high-contrast black-and-white visuals and complex narrative. While the film is rooted in West African folklore, it also explores themes of tradition versus modernity and the corruptive nature of power, featuring layers of meaning that extend beyond a simple fable.
Flix Oven, led by South African producer Thomas Maitland and Korean producer Lee Hyojin, is expanding its international footprint through various initiatives. Recently, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Mediawan’s Ego Productions for collaborative efforts in European markets and unveiled its upcoming Indian co-production titled “Amor” during Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to New Delhi. Additionally, their Korean-Indian co-production, “Made in Korea,” continues to perform well on Netflix.
