Undeniably breathtaking animation meets uncomplicated narratives and breathes life into this 10-episode speculative anthology. These rich stories take the sci-fi genre and unfurl a multitude of possibilities for a futuristic Africa. Although the episodes are short, there are more hits than misses as the focus on succinct stories creates a net positive viewing experience. Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire boasts an explosive variety of animation styles that make simple yet heartfelt stories shine. The transition from high-action vibrant stories like Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer to the dark, terrifying visuals of Surf Sangoma in the first half displays the amazing talent of Africa's filmmakers.
Synopsis
This action-packed animated sci-fi anthology presents ten futuristic visions from Africa inspired by the continent's diverse histories and cultures. Executive produced by Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey, these ten short films made by a new generation of animation creators draw on uniquely African perspectives to imagine brave new worlds of advanced technology, aliens, spirits, and monsters. This is Africa as you've never seen it before.
Storyline
A collection of 10 animated short films that explore the future of Africa through the lens of science fiction, fantasy, and folklore.
TLDR
Finally! A spotlight on Africa's talented storytellers and animators!
What stands out
The sequencing of the first half does a great job of keeping the flow of the stories fresh. As the overall narratives shift in intensity and style, every story shines without being directly compared to their neighboring episodes. The variety is also commendable, as an anthology by genre can easily feel repetitive, but that isn't the case with Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. The simplified plots may feel underwhelming to some, but the straightforward approach feels accessible to a global audience, hopefully paving the way for more African stories to enter the mainstream.
