Singapore-based company joins the animated feature, financing up to one-third of the project and overseeing animation production across Asia.
Singapore-based producer and financier August Media Group has boarded the animated feature film Malika: Warrior Queen as co-producer, financing up to one-third of the project’s production and marketing while overseeing animation production across a network of studios and artists throughout Asia.
The feature is created by Roye Okupe, the Nigerian filmmaker behind the animated series Iyanu, which he co-executive produces in partnership with Lion Forge Entertainment. Malika is based on his graphic novel series published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. The project marks a further expansion of the YouNeek shared universe into theatrical animation.
With Malika: Warrior Queen, Okupe brings his signature Afro-Anime storytelling to the big screen, blending African mythology, epic fantasy, and anime-inspired visual language to introduce the legendary warrior queen to a worldwide theatrical audience.
According to August Media Group Founder and CEO Jyotirmoy Saha, who will serve as executive producer, "Roye Okupe’s vision for Malika: Warrior Queen pushes the boundaries of what Afro-Anime can be on the big screen. We are excited to bring together some of the most talented anime animation studios in Asia to help realize that vision."
"Moy's ability to attract gifted studios and artists through Asia to work on this film adds an exciting new dimension to the visual storytelling we are looking to achieve," said Okupe, YouNeek Studios CEO who is writing and directing the film.
"This is the international financing arrangement that springs out of the creative marriage of Anime from Asia with Roye's unique vision," said DS Films founder Doug Schwalbe, who is producing alongside Emmy-winning producer Randy Dormans.
The production brings together African storytelling, Asian animation expertise, and international financing, reflecting broader trends toward globally coordinated animation pipelines for large-scale feature projects.
Okupe’s Iyanu previously ranked as the No. 1 series among kids ages 2–12 on Cartoon Network and a top 10 kids and family title on HBO Max following its 2025 debut, contributing to his emergence as a leading voice in globally focused African storytelling.
August Media, known for titles including Dino Girl Gauko, Tish Tash, and George of the Jungle, has built a global distribution footprint spanning more than 100 countries, with multiple Asian TV Awards, Asian Academy Creative Awards, and Emmy nominations.
DS Films, founded by Schwalbe, focuses on international co-productions and financing, with credits including Iyanu, Home Sweet Rome, and the documentary feature Group: The Schopenhauer Effect, alongside a portfolio of more than 300 television episodes and multiple feature films.
Source: August Media Group
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
