Think Game of Thrones but in an ancient mystical African setting where kingdoms and queendoms battle it out for the ultimate seat on the throne.
This is the plot of Blood Psalms, a fantastical action drama set 11,000 years ago and the latest offering from renowned director Jahmil Qubeka.
The cultural folklore TV series is in its early stages of production, with the finalising of sets, costumes, rehearsals and the shooting of isolated scenes with only a few actors. This is in compliance with level 4 lockdown regulations.
Locations around the Eastern Cape will be used for the series, which has been commissioned by TV giant MultiChoice to air on the Showmax and Mzansi Magic platforms.
Qubeka said the show would go beyond African borders to screen on French channel Canal+, which regularly shows foreign films and series broadcast in their original language, with French subtitles.
He said the aim was for the series to “grow legs” and reach screens around the world.
Qubeka, who is known for his gritty and thought-provoking work, said viewers would get to see Africa portrayed like never before.
“Africa is considered to be the oldest inhabited territory on earth, yet it has the youngest recorded history.
“The continent is filled with ancient ruins and structures like the Pyramids of Egypt and Great Zimbabwe, which suggests that there’s a story to tell from an African perspective.
“Blood Psalms looks at life and what happened before our time.
“It explores the vast mythological African history,” said Qubeka.
Qubeka said a two-week preparation process was being undertaken before the production would start.
This process had commenced since the start of level 4.
“Out of the 15 weeks that have been set aside to shoot the series, we can push to a month-and-a-half of shooting under the level 4 restrictions.
“Eventually we will have to move onto set to include the other larger aspects of the production,” said Qubeka.
Qubeka, who is a native of Mdantsane, draws particular interest from using locations around the Eastern Cape for his productions.
His most recent films, the multiple South African Film and Television Award-winning Knuckle City and Valedictory, were all shot in the Eastern Cape.
Blood Psalms will be no different.
The production will be shot in Graaff-Reinet’s Valley of Desolation and at Coffee Bay’s Hole In The Wall, a fitting backdrop for a historical and mystical-themed series.
“The Valley of Desolation is our own Grand Canyon and Hole In The Wall is an exquisite location like no other.
“Unfortunately, both these areas are highly impoverished, which doesn’t speak to the value they possess.
“Bringing productions to the Eastern Cape is always a no-brainer for me as the province has an endless amount of beauty in its landscape.
“It is convenient to move around and has the friendliest people,” said Qubeka.
“Blood Psalms is a very big production and will incorporate a number of people to ensure the success of the final product.
“This type of production can contribute to boost the province’s economy as it incorporates different businesses such as accommodation, catering and even mobile business to transport people and equipment,” said Qubeka.
Qubeka said he hoped that “SA would open up” in a month’s time so the production could proceed to the Eastern Cape, where most of the series would be filmed.
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