South African Vertical Drama ‘The King, The Affair and the Son Heir’ Selected for the American Black Film Festival’s Inaugural Micro-Drama Showcase

South African microdrama The King, The Affair and the Son Heir, produced by Cape Town-based Both Worlds, has been officially selected for the 2026 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) as part of the inaugural 9:16 Microdrama Project Showcase.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year’s festival marks the launch of a dedicated showcase for vertical, mobile-first micro-dramas, featuring a lineup of eight productions.

The ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project Showcase is designed to amplify diverse voices in the vertical content ecosystem. Jeff Friday, founder of ABFF, said that the initiative aims to ensure that creators of colour are leading the way in the emerging format of microdramas.

Set in pre-colonial South Africa, The King, The Affair and the Son Heir follows a queen who gives birth to a long-awaited heir while hiding the fact that the child’s real father is the king’s right-hand man, as suspicion begins to grow within the royal household.

The production features emerging and established South African talent such as Kanyi Nokwe, Lebo Mphahlele, Othembele Nomgca, Phathiswa Tonono, Siyavuya Magaga.

The series is created and written by Anathi Rubela, Mamello Makhetha and Theoline Maphutha, and directed by Star Kganki Maphahlele. Both Worlds’ creative producers include Flavia Motsisi and Karen Jeynes, with Thierry Cassuto serving as executive producer.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for South African storytelling, and a great showing for African microdrama” said Motsisi, who heads up Both Worlds’ vertical drama division. “To have our work recognised at a festival as prestigious as ABFF speaks to the universal power of our local narratives and the high caliber of our creative talent. It’s also a testament to our phenomenal cast and crew, whose dedication and immense talent brought this intricate world to life with such precision and passion. South African microdrama is ready for the global stage.”

In March, Both Worlds also launched the first Africa-US microdrama co-production partnership with Atlanta-based Freeli Films to develop premium vertical drama for African and global audiences.

The 2026 American Black Film Festival will take place in Miami from 27-31 May 2026. The King, The Affair and the Son Heir will be available to festival audiences via the Codeblack app, powered by Hartbeat.

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