The anticipated Cradle Film Studios took one step closer to completion this week after securing investment from the Industrial Development Corp. (IDC) and entering its financing stage, announced Known Associates Group executive chairman Joel Chikapa Phiri at the Cannes Film Festival.
With the completion of a feasibility study on land earmarked for the 30-acre site outside Johannesburg, Phiri said plans are in motion to break ground in January 2026 for what he describes as “the most advanced high-tech film studio complex in Africa.”
Known Associates, which is developing the studios in partnership with Moonlighting Films, the largest production servicing company in Africa, announced the project in 2022.
“Cradle Film Studios represents a bold new chapter in African film infrastructure, combining world-class technology with a commitment to sustainability, skills development and cultural preservation,” Phiri said.
The complex will sit adjacent to the Cradle of Humankind, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, around 30 miles from Johannesburg and just 10 minutes from an international airport.
Spanning more than 440,000 square feet of total production space, it will include more than 160,000 square feet of high-tech sound stages, including Africa’s most advanced virtual and smart stage; Africa’s first indoor underwater stage, modelled on the concept designed by Pinewood Studios in the U.K.; and dedicated spaces for stunts, wardrobe, props, set dressing, artist support and post-production.
Phiri also announced plans to establish Africa’s first AI-integrated crew training academy, designed to build what he describes as “a future-ready, locally anchored workforce” for global production.
The project is being spearheaded by Nico Dekker, whose Cape Town Film Studios has played host to Hollywood productions including “Mad Max: Fury Road” and Netflix’s live-action “One Piece” series.
“Our goal is to make CFS the most advanced, purpose-built film and virtual production studio in Africa — designed to attract both international and local productions,” said Dekker. “With a sustainable development ethos, a highly skilled local workforce and an experienced leadership team, Cradle Film Studios is poised to redefine the future of film production on the continent.”
