Kenya's Dorothy Ghettuba, CEO of Spielworks Media, Joins Netflix Originals Group

The popular video streaming service Netflix has hired Kenyan award-winning film maker TV series producer Dorothy Ghettuba to commission more African content. The TV entrepreneur is a co-founder and current CEO of the Nairobi-based Spielworks Media, an African production company launched in 2009.

Her shows have aired on Kenyan TV stations as well as on continental channels like Africa Magic. “Telling our African stories,” she posted on her Instagram page, referring to her appointment. “Onwards and upwards. Ghettuba will join Netflix in June 2019 with the title of Manager, International Originals for Europe, Middle East and Africa, based in Amsterdam.

“We are excited to confirm that Dorothy is joining the International Originals group, which produces original series across the world, such as Dark, The Protector and Baby,” a spokesman told the BBC in a statement. “She will focus on adding shows across countries in Africa to our strong and growing International Originals slate.

” Netflix has recently increased the number of African movies and series, mostly from Nigeria and South Africa, on its platform. Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut Lionheart started streaming in late December 2018. Netflix’s first African original series, Queen Sono, starring South African actress Pearl Thusi, is also expected to debut shortly.

Considering that Africa is the birthplace of our oldest storytelling traditions, all these wonderful changes are long overdue. ~ Anne