Mzansi love: SA-based Netflix

Image: Via Twitter @Gizmodo

Mzansi love: SA-based Netflix shows are pulling in international tourists

SA-based Netflix shows ‘My Octopus Teacher, ‘Blood & Water’ and ‘Seriously Single’ are reeling in international tourists!

Mzansi love: SA-based Netflix

Image: Via Twitter @Gizmodo

A study conducted by Netflix found that international viewers are three times more likely to make Mzansi their number one travel destination after watching South African-based series on the streaming platform. 

INTERNATIONAL VIEWERS THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO VISIT SA

The Cultural Affinity survey found that international viewers are three times more likely to make South Africa their number one destination after watching South African-based films and series. The countries that participated in the survey include Canada, Germany, the US, the UK, Brazil and France.  A huge draw card for these international viewers was that they were able to relate and identify with the characters in the South African productions.

“They saw themselves reflected in those stories. One US viewer said they felt people in South Africa have the same aspirations and life experiences as those in their country,” said Netflix Director of Public Policy for sub-Saharan Africa, Shola Sanni, according to Business Insider.

The survey also found that these viewers were 5.6 times more likely to want to learn Afrikaans. The survey was released at Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit which showed that South Africa could still be an attractive destination for international tourists even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is about partnering to showcase the best of the local culture. It is about South Africans telling their stories to the world. There is a connection that happens when people view content and stories on Netflix. What we found is this power to be a cultural ambassador for South Africa and the continent,” he continued.

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SA-BASED NETFLIX SHOWS THAT CAUGHT INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION

The top three shows on Netflix that caught the attention of international viewers were nature documentary My Octopus Teacher, drama series Blood & Water which just released their second season on 24 September, and comedy Seriously Single.

My Octopus Teacher which was filmed in False Bay, near Cape Town attracted viewers to South Africa for the following reasons,

  • 71% because of nature and wildlife.
  • 53% to get to know the people of South Africa.
  • 50% famous landmarks. 

Blood & Water attracted, 

  • 58% of viewers to South Africa for the landmarks and monuments.
  • 58% nature and wildlife.
  • 57% history

Seriously Single’s draw cards were,

  • 69% local creative scene
  • 63% festivals and events
  • 64% food and drink 

The other South African-based shows that attracted viewers to Mzansi were,

  • JIVA! – Directed by Scottnes L. Smith; Mandla Dube and filmed in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
  • How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding – Directed by Johnny Barbuzano and filmed in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
  • Trippin’ with the Kandasamys – Directed by Jayan Moodley and filmed in the South Coast and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
  • I Am All Girls – Directed by Donovan Marsh and filmed in Johannesburg.
  • Queen Sono – Directed by Kagiso Lediga; Tebogo Malope and filmed in Johannesburg as well as Lagos, Nigeria, Kenya and Zanzibar and Tanzania.
  • Kings of Joburg – Created by the late Shona Ferguson and filmed in Johannesburg.
  • Santana – Directed by Maradona Dias Dos Santos and Chris Roland, filmed in Cape Town.
  • Riding with Sugar – Directed by Sunu Gonera and filmed in Cape Town. 

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