French media powerhouse Canal+, now the parent company of MultiChoice, has ambitious plans for the DStv brand, aiming to bring African-made content to the world. Through its global distribution arm, StudioCanal, the company intends to showcase South African shows and films to international audiences.
David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, told Zoyols Blog that StudioCanal, already a major force in distributing European content worldwide, will now champion African stories. “StudioCanal is everywhere… they are the biggest seller of European content globally,” Mignot said. However, the global spotlight will be reserved for top-tier productions, ensuring only the most compelling and high-quality shows reach international screens.
Two standout examples from MultiChoice are Shaka iLembe and Spinners. Shaka iLembe, a dramatic retelling of King Shaka’s life, premiered in 2023 to record-breaking viewership of 3.6 million in its first week. The series not only earned critical acclaim and multiple awards but also generated over 16,000 jobs during its production. Spinners tells the story of a 17-year-old striving to escape gang life through the adrenaline-filled sport of car spinning. Its raw, local energy captures the kind of storytelling that increasingly resonates with global audiences. With StudioCanal’s support, these series could soon reach viewers far beyond Africa.
Canal+ is moving into a space already proving lucrative. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon have invested heavily in South African productions, with projects like My Octopus Teacher winning an Oscar and Beauty and the Bester topping Netflix charts in the UK. South Africa has emerged as a cost-effective hub for high-quality productions, offering world-class talent and visually striking locations.
Despite this global ambition, MultiChoice remains committed to its African roots. The company continues to prioritize “hyper-local” content, exemplified by Showmax 2.0’s focus exclusively on African markets. If Canal+ succeeds, however, DStv’s homegrown hits could soon become global sensations, introducing audiences worldwide to the depth and vibrancy of African storytelling.
