Production for 'Blood and Water' Netflix's second original African series has begun

Cape Town – Production for Netflix's second original African series, Blood & Water, a coming of age, mystery drama based in Cape Town has begun.

The series will be helmed by award-winning director Nosipho Dumisa (Best Director, Fantasia International Film Festival) and produced by Gambit Films.

Blood & Water will include a line-up of new, talented young cast including two newcomers as the female leads.

Exciting news!

“Blood and Water,” @NetflixSA's 2nd original, has started production!! Starring a mix of some of South Africa's young and familiar actors, it will be directed by South Africa’s very own @NosiphoDumisa ???? ???? ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/yyi68EoHKr

— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) June 26, 2019

It follows the exploits of the intelligent yet spontaneous 16-year-old, Puleng Khumalo played by Ama Qamata (My Perfect Family, Rhythm City), as she investigates the cold case of her abducted-at-birth older sister. In the search, Puleng meets beautiful, alluring Fikile "Fiks" Bhele from nearby private school, played by Khosi Ngema starring in her debut role.

Joining the female leads is Thabang Molaba playing Karabo'  KB' Molapo, resident bad boy and high school heartthrob who is struggling to live up to his father's high expectations. In her on-going search Puleng finds an ally and assistant investigator in Wade, played by Dillon Windvogel (Arendsvlei), while also having to handle the opinionated Wendy Dlamini, who at times is a bit too 'woke', played by Natasha Thahane (Skeem Saam, The Queen, Lockdown).

Talking to the casting process, Nosipho, said 'Blood & Water presented us with the opportunity to bring a mixture of fresh new faces alongside seasoned actors. After seeing hundreds of actors and newcomers from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, we're excited to be a part of opening up the industry.'

Completing the diverse cast are Gail Mabalane (The Road, The Wild), Sello Maake (The River, Scandal, Generations), Arno Greef (Binnelanders), Ryle De Morny (Top Billing), Getmore Sithole (Scandal), Xolile Tshabalala (High Rollers), Sandi Schultz (Binnelanders), Monique Rockman (Nommer 37) and Cindy Mahlangu (The Herd). 

The series is expected to launch globally on Netflix, in 190 countries, in 2020.

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