The premiere of the new teen espionage drama, Classified, was a fun affair! Sprouted from the creative minds behind the acclaimed series Queen Sono (2020), Classified was inaugurated with an adorable red-carpet event and cocktail shindig. Guests were encouraged to dress in their best as they were treated to a screening of the first two episodes, pre-screening intro and post-screening Q&A at the Ster Kinekor cinema at the Zone in Rosebank.
Airing exclusively on Netflix, Classified tells the story of 15-year-old Ella Gardner, played by Imani Pullum, known for her roles in Emancipation (2022), which stars Will Smith and the Seth McFarlane series, The Orville (2017-2022). Ella, a student in Oakland, California, faces unexpected challenges after being involved in a violent protest, leading to her arrest. Evading incarceration, Ella relocates to Johannesburg with her family where she attends a wealthy international school.
During the pre-screening, Lala Tuku, the Africa Rising International Film Festival (ARIFF) Chairperson shed light on festival initiatives that have brought thousands of children into the cinematic experience over the past six years. Further, she spoke on collaborations with Disney and acclaimed Nigerian-American filmmaker Walé Oyéjidé, even a masterclass with the likes of award-winning South African cinematographer, Mandla Dube, underlining the festival’s commitment to African storytelling for and by the people.
Produced by Diprente in collaboration with Skybound Entertainment, Classified is the brainchild of creator and showrunner Kagiso Lediga. Lediga, who sported one of his now signature colourful shirts, was seen mingling with his vibrant guests as the complimentary canapes and drinks were served. During the talk, he shared anecdotes about the production journey and was sure to emphasise the show’s Gen Z appeal, introducing the episodes and the cast present at the event.
Lediga explained that the freshness of the series’ premise was in its exploration of the world of espionage through the perspective of a teenage protagonist. A blend of espionage, drama, and local flavour, Classified was inspired by true accounts of diplomats who use international posts to infiltrate important circles through their children. The narrative is expected to start innocently and progressively get deeper and more complex.
The director also noted that despite being one of his most significant projects to date, the show was independently produced. He said that they pre-sold different territories globally, with Africa and the United States being the initial sales. Sony, as the distributor, bridged the gap, signifying a blend of old-school and new-school values in the production process.
Even though the host playfully questioned the lavish elements in the production, such as an array of expensive cars and a stunning wardrobe, suggesting they were beyond indie production limits, Lediga credited his team, who were able to mitigate budget constraints, through meticulous research and attention to detail.
Classified is largely hinged on the allure of youth. The show’s role in introducing emerging talent to the filmmaking world was repeatedly emphasised throughout the event. While this new generation of actors starred alongside seasoned international and local veterans, including Christine Horn, Sule Rimi, Abena Ayivor, Lebo Mashile and Nat Ramabulana, it was clearly the younger cast members who were being celebrated on the red carpet. Watching their glittering fits and bright eyes, one couldn’t help but have a great sense of admiration for the fearless bravado of the young ensemble.
As the series unfolds, audiences will be part of the collaborative effort that determines these young stars’ fates. The performances, though green, will surely be dynamic and familiar and in that way, Classified is poised to make a significant contribution to the ongoing evolution of the great tradition of African storytelling. The potentially binge-worthy series premieres on Thursday, the 30th. Keep your eyes peeled!
