In a bold move, South African producer Kutlwano Ditsele and his production house Ten30 Pictures step into the global spotlight with the Netflix original series “GO!”. The series premieres on March 16, 2025, in Johannesburg and launches worldwide on March 21, 2025. This project marks a new chapter for Ditsele, who envisions transforming his studio into a creative hub akin to the American independent film company A24, but with a distinct African flavor.
Series Overview
The series “GO!” centers on the journey of Siya “Bolt” Gumede, played by Thandolwethu Zondi. Siya is a young sprinter awarded a life-changing scholarship to a prestigious school in Johannesburg. His story follows not only his athletic achievements but also the personal challenges he faces while trying to leave a troubled past behind. The narrative spans six episodes and is the product of a creative partnership between Ditsele and head writer Thuli Zuma, known for her work on the successful Showmax series “The Wife”.
The direction of the series comes from Tristan Holmes, whose early work earned him an Academy Award for his student film. His involvement brings both critical acclaim and a refined directorial touch to the project. The strategic release of “GO!” by Netflix is a testament to the quality and appeal of the story, capturing the attention of global audiences and industry insiders alike.
Studio Vision
Kutlwano Ditsele is clear about his long-term plans. He aims to position Ten30 Pictures as a major creative force in Africa by building a unique identity for the studio. His vision is to create projects that stand out in a crowded market. He plans to seek out filmmakers with fresh voices—especially those who have seen their projects turned down by traditional networks. According to Ditsele, many promising ideas get overlooked by the conventional commissioning model, and his approach is to give those stories the platform they deserve.
The goal is to nurture and support homegrown talent, building a catalog of titles that reflect diverse perspectives from across the continent. This vision draws inspiration from the independent film scene in the United States, where companies like A24 have redefined cinematic storytelling by championing unconventional narratives.
Production Model
The production model adopted by Ten30 Pictures marks a significant shift from traditional methods. Instead of relying on pre-licensing agreements with broadcasters or streaming platforms—which often result in a loss of creative control—Ditsele opted for a model based on private investment. With a set budget of $1 million for the six episodes of “GO!”, he demonstrated that a focused investment in quality storytelling could yield a profitable outcome.
Private investors, particularly from the banking and mining sectors, have shown a willingness to back such ventures. Their support allowed Ditsele to maintain both ownership and creative direction over his projects. The decision to secure funds through this alternative route not only provided the necessary financial backing but also set a precedent for sustainable film and television production in a challenging economic climate.
When Netflix’s former content head in Africa personally reached out with an offer, it validated Ditsele’s approach and the potential of “GO!” to resonate with a wide audience. This endorsement from a global streaming leader underscores the effectiveness of a production strategy that values creative freedom and bold storytelling.
Future Slate
The ambitions of Ten30 Pictures extend far beyond the current series. Ditsele has plans to expand his portfolio significantly over the next decade, with a target of developing 30 titles in 10 years. Among the upcoming projects is the medical drama “Clinical”, which will explore the lives of six young interns navigating both personal and professional challenges at one of South Africa’s top public hospitals.
Another project in the pipeline is “Imbali ne iNkabi”, a road drama that follows the journey of a contract killer tasked with confronting a painful past involving his childhood sweetheart. A second season of “GO!” is also in development, promising to build on the success of the initial release.
These projects highlight a diverse slate that spans different genres and themes. Ditsele’s focus on a broad range of stories is designed to offer viewers a multifaceted look at life in South Africa, while also appealing to international audiences seeking fresh and engaging narratives.
Investment Plans
Following the successful pilot phase sale of “GO!”, Ditsele and his investors are now pursuing a funding round of 250 million rand (approximately $13.7 million). This substantial financial boost will enable Ten30 Pictures to expand its operations, improve production quality, and reach a broader audience.
This funding round reflects a significant shift in the regional entertainment industry. By choosing a model that prioritizes creative control and private investment over traditional licensing deals, Ditsele is paving the way for a more sustainable and artistically driven film and television sector in Africa. The strategy also encourages investors to consider creative projects as viable ventures with the potential for high returns.
Kutlwano Ditsele’s approach, blending innovative production techniques with a strong creative vision, signals a new era for African entertainment. His commitment to nurturing local talent and expanding the industry’s creative boundaries is setting the stage for future successes that could reshape global perceptions of African cinema.
More details about these projects and future plans are expected to surface as Ten30 Pictures continues to build its catalog and secure additional funding. The upcoming Joburg Film Festival, running from March 11 to 16, 2025, will serve as an important platform for showcasing these groundbreaking ideas to both industry professionals and a wider audience.
For more updates on Ten30 Pictures and related projects, tune in to Vviptimes.
