At the Cannes Film Festival this week, South Africa’s long-anticipated Cradle Film Studios took a major step forward, officially entering the financing stage after securing investment from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The announcement, made by Joel Chikapa Phiri, executive chairman of Known Associates Group, marks a significant milestone for what is being billed as the most advanced high-tech film studio complex on the African continent.

Planned for a 30-acre site near Johannesburg, just 10 minutes from an international airport and adjacent to the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cradle Film Studios will span more than 440,000 square feet of production infrastructure. That includes over 160,000 square feet of sound stages, featuring Africa’s first indoor underwater stage (inspired by Pinewood Studios in the UK) and the continent’s most sophisticated virtual production and smart stage environments.

But Cradle is aiming to be more than just a cutting-edge filming destination. It’s being designed as a future-facing creative ecosystem, complete with dedicated facilities for stunts, wardrobe, props, postproduction, artist support, and more. The studio will also house Africa’s first AI-integrated crew training academy, with a mission to develop a future-ready, locally anchored workforce capable of servicing global productions.

“The goal is to make CFS the most advanced, purpose-built film and virtual production studio in Africa,” said Nico Dekker, the veteran studio executive behind Cape Town Film Studios, which hosted productions like Mad Max: Fury Road and Netflix’s One Piece. “With sustainable design, a highly skilled crew base, and proven leadership, Cradle is positioned to transform production on the continent.”

Cradle Film Studios is a joint venture between Known Associates Group and Moonlighting Films, one of Africa’s largest and most experienced production service companies. The IDC’s backing is being positioned as a key validator of the project’s national and international significance.

Kagiso Bapela, head of services at IDC, said: “Cradle Film Studios is a critical element of the media value chain in South Africa. It will drive local job creation, upskill crews in Gauteng, and help position South Africa as a go-to destination for high-tech, international production.”

Groundbreaking on the studio is expected to begin in January 2026.