Toei Co and Pambili Media Collaborate on Historical Film Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly

Toei Co has signed a co-production development deal with Pambili Media for the film **Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly**, which tells the story of an African warrior who became a samurai in Japan. Mandla Dube will write and direct the film, part of a six-picture slate backed by the IDC. The project signifies a new partnership between Japan and Africa in the film industry, with hopes for cultural authenticity and global outreach.

Toei Co has entered into a co-production development agreement with Pambili Media, led by South African filmmaker Mandla Dube. This collaboration focuses on the historical epic film Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly, centered around the life of a real African warrior who became a samurai in Japan, marking a significant Japan-South Africa partnership in cinema.

Mandla Dube, who will write and direct the film, is incorporating Pambili Media’s larger development initiative supported by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Africa’s Mwenemutapa Empire, highlighting the connections between Africa, India, China, and East Asia as Yasuke journeys from Africa to 16th-century Japan, ultimately becoming a samurai.

The project is spearheaded by Yuji Kojima, Toei’s Vice President, as part of the studio’s strategy for international expansion through co-productions. This partnership signifies a new collaboration dynamic between Japan and Africa within the global media industry and aims to create compelling narratives for worldwide audiences.

Mandla Dube’s previous works, such as the Netflix film Silverton Siege and Heart Of The Hunter, showcase his ability to blend thrilling stories with real historical contexts. The announcement of this development deal occurred at a cocktail party in Los Angeles on April 10, attended by notable figures including Toei Co CEO Fumio Yoshimura and Consul-General Kenko Sone.

Yuji Kojima expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the creative potential of Yasuke’s story and its alignment with Toei’s tradition of bold storytelling. In reciprocation, Dube highlighted the importance of cultural authenticity in their collaboration and conveyed enthusiasm for the partnership’s future.

Toei, known for its extensive catalog of samurai films, plans to film parts of Yasuke at Toei Kyoto Studios while seeking additional support from the Japanese government through the newly extended JLOX+ incentive scheme, indicating a commitment to both local and international production practices.

In conclusion, the partnership between Toei Co and Pambili Media to produce **Yasuke – Way Of The Butterfly** showcases a significant collaboration between Japan and South Africa. With Mandla Dube leading this ambitious project, the film aims to authentically depict the journey of Yasuke while appealing to global audiences. This development represents an exciting opportunity for cultural exchange and storytelling that transcends geographical boundaries.

Original Source: deadline.com