GAMING has become a cultural phenomenon in South Africa, with the South Africa’s gaming and entertainment industry valued at $266 million (approx. R5 billion) and a staggering 26 million active gamers across various platforms – most commonly mobile phones.
And to take advantage of that Talent10 Holdings, in collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has committed over $100m (almost R1.9 billion) to developing a new entertainment and gaming franchise.
Boom, came ‘Boy Kills World’ that made it premiere in SA this week, but debuted at the Toronto Film Festival, to world acclaim, eventually getting a nod a from global player Lionsgate Films and Roadside Attractions signing on to distribute the film in the US.
The movie tells the story of “Boy”, played by Bill Skarsgård (IT, Eternals, John Wick: Chapter 4, Deadpool 2), who is deaf and mute with an extremely vivid imagination.
When Boy’s family is tragically killed, he finds himself thrust into a dark world of vengeance.
Guided by a mysterious shaman, he undergoes intense training, transforming into a lethal force driven by a thirst for revenge against those responsible for his loved ones’ deaths.
Boy’s immersion in the Arcade Game “Super Dragon Punch Force 2” plays a significant role in shaping his psyche. Through the game, he develops an internal “voice,” fuelling his propensity for violence and providing an outlet for his pent-up emotions.
The gaming movie was entirely funded, produced and filmed in South Africa under Nthibah Pictures, a subsidiary of Talent10 Holdings that acquired the rights to the movie in 2021. It took nineteen-months to produce.
And yes, it was shot in Cape Town, according to the funders, made up of former top executives within the mining sector, who are now ‘retired’.
“We identified an opportunity to provide longevity to our collective investment by creating an expanded universe of ‘Boy Kills World’, that paves the way for future projects to be funded and produced in South Africa,” says Talent10 Holdings CEO, Wayne Fitzjohn, who also noted the ‘film industry in this country will not die’, following disturbing news that cinemas in SA were down-sizing.
The film was introduced to select media corps at Ster Kinekor, Sandton, this week.
The new action-thriller movie ‘Boy Kills World’, alongside the development of the mobile and PC fighting game “Super Dragon Punch Force 3” additionally, they have greenlit an eight-part animated series that expands on some of the characters introduced in the game, further enriching the franchise’s offerings.
This substantial investment has already played a significant role in local job creation and economic development, solidifying South Africa’s position as a prominent, serious player in global film production, commented Sipho Nkosi, former coal boss, and retired CE at Exxaro Coal.
According to Fitzjohn, South Africa offers exceptional value for money in terms of US dollar-based production costs, while maintaining a high-quality end-product for customers.
“South Africa is definitely open to the international film industry,” he affirms.
“Boy Kills World is anticipated to perform extremely well at the box office, which could signify a significant boost for South Africa’s entertainment industry. A successful film release would attract further investment and attention to the country’s film production capabilities.
“This would lead to more opportunities for local talent, increased tourism and heightened global recognition of South Africa as a hub for creative excellence.
Additionally, it could foster partnerships with international studios and filmmakers, further propelling South Africa’s position as a prominent player in the global film market,” he concludes.
“Boy Kills World” is directed by Moritz Mohr ( Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) and produced by Sam Raimi (of Evil Dead and Spider-Man fame) and Roy Lee (known for The Grudge, Death Note and The Lego Movie).
It stars an ensemble cast including Famke Janssen (X-Men, Hemlock Grove, Taken), Jessica Rothe (Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon), South Africa’s Sharlto Copley (District 9, Elysium, Chappie), and Andrew Koji (Warrior, American Gods, Fast & Furious 6).
Image SLM (Sipho Nkosi, Talent10 Holdings CEO- Wayne Fitzjohn and other former mining execs at the premiere of ‘Boy Kills World’ held at Ster Kinekor, Sandton, on Tuesday evening).
