Sci-fi/fantasy: 4 Afrofuturist books headed to movie, TV screens

Science fiction and fantasy, as genres of literature, continue to soar in popularity, regularly translated into a variety of media, like movies, television, and even games. Here’s a look at some of the most striking.   Following some successful books, are works by new writers, seeing science fiction and fantasy with African themes enjoy a […]

Science fiction and fantasy, as genres of literature, continue to soar in popularity, regularly translated into a variety of media, like movies, television, and even games. Here’s a look at some of the most striking.

 

Following some successful books, are works by new writers, seeing science fiction and fantasy with African themes enjoy a remarkable growth explosion. Of course, at some point, Hollywood has to come knocking, and indeed it has. Specifically, with targets on the subgenre of science fiction, Afrofuturism – or Africanfuturism, in some cases – which features fantastical futures or darkly alternate realities.

Afrofuturism is defined as a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African Diaspora culture with technology. Coined by Mark Dery in 1994, it addresses themes and concerns of the African diaspora through techno-culture and science fiction, encompassing a range of media and artists envisioning black futures that stem from Afrodiasporic experiences.

There are a number of movies and TV shows in the works, based on fantasy and Afrofuturist books, some of them at an advanced stage of production. The following list, while not exhaustive, showcases some of the noteworthy ones.

1. Who Fears Death

Written by Nnedi Okorafor (who prefers the tag ‘Africanfuturism’), a TV series based on the book is in development, executive-produced by Game of Thrones writer George R.R Martin for cable giant HBO. The novel takes place in post-apocalyptic Africa in which the Nuru tribe has enslaved the Okeke people and now look to eradicate them for good. An Okeke woman who was raped by a Nuru man bears a daughter who develops terrifying magical powers, discovering that she is targeted by a powerful force that wants her dead.

‘Who Fears Death’, published in 2010 by an imprint of Penguin, received the 2011 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, and the 2010 Carl Brandon Kindred Award “for an outstanding work of speculative fiction dealing with race and ethnicity.”

Okorafor, born in America to Nigerian parents, visits often, and cites Nigeria as her muse.

2. Black Leopard, Red Wolf

The fantasy novel ‘Black Leopard, Red Wolf’ was published in early 2019. Written by Marlon James, it is said to be the first book in a planned trilogy. Drawing on African history and mythology, it chronicles political tensions between two warring states. The rights to produce an adaptation were purchased before the book was released, by Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan.

The book is James’ sophomore effort, after his critically-acclaimed 2015 Man Booker-winning ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’. The writer has said ‘Black Leopard, Red Wolf’ was influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien and African legends and myth. Described by critics as bawdy, lyrical, violent, funny, and poignant, it reads like it’s perfectly suited for a silver screen adaptation. Housed at Warner Bros., production dates are yet to be announced.

3. Asunda

A TV series rooted in a fantasy universe created by Sebastian A. Jones is in development by HBO, set in the war-torn world of Asunda, where an orphan girl is born of two nations and raised in a small desert town. Hunted by all, she will search for her ancestors and the courage to bind them against an ancient enemy.

Said to be inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s work and Greek mythology, and similar in its settings to Game of Thrones’ Westeros, the comic book is published by Jones’ independent imprint, Stranger Comics, with the help of Kickstarter campaigns. Production dates and other details have not been announced yet.

4. Wild Seed

   

A love (and hate) story of two African immortals who travel the ages from pre-Colonial West Africa to the far, far future is currently being developed as a TV series for Amazon’s streaming service. The Octavia Butler book has been picked up by Hollywood actress Viola Davis will be producing a script by Nnedi Okorafor and Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu.

Both Okorafor and Kahiu have been vocal about their love for Butler’s work, citing ‘Wild Seed’ as a favourite.