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Michael S. Maponga

@michaelmaponga

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Husband | Dad | Film Producer
Founder @mapongastudios | @afrolandtv (acquired)

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We’ve never built our business by waiting for permission.

Our history has been rooted in identifying Black creators, producers and entrepreneurs early, partnering with them, putting real opportunity behind them, and helping turn talent into businesses, brands and ownership.

That is how we see the vertical market now.

A new category is forming. New platforms are emerging. New economics are being created. And while a lot of people are still trying to figure out where they fit, CODEBLACK + HARTBEAT are already operating inside the marketplace, building relationships, producing at scale and creating a pipeline with Black-owned production companies and creators.

That distinction matters.

We are not interested in being invited into somebody else’s ecosystem after the rules have already been written. We want to help write the rules.

We don’t ask for a seat at the table.

We build the table.

Then we bring creators, producers and entrepreneurs with us.

Because the real opportunity isn’t just getting Black stories on screen. It’s making sure Black-owned companies, Black producers and Black entrepreneurs participate in the economics, the IP and the long-term value being created around those stories.

That has always been the mission.

The platforms change. The formats change. The business models change.

The strategy doesn’t.

Build.
Partner.
Own.
Scale. by @michaelmaponga

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3 days ago

Making a movie is a team sport. My sets are usually 40-50 people all working towards the same goal. It's controlled chaos. You tend to miss how special the moment is until after filming. Memo to self... Stop and smell the roses. I prayed for this.

You can watch Circle of Lies on @atwistofficial taken in Toronto Canada by @michaelmaponga

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10 days ago

This summer, I did something special! Long post but bear with me.

My company, Maponga Studios, partnered with Kevin Hart’s @therealhartbeat to produce two microdrama (vertical) films in Toronto. What a ride it has been!

As a producer, my approach to film is always story first. Not hype. Not clout. Not fame. Actual STORY. Stories that people will genuinely enjoy watching.

My wife and I LOVE thrillers, so naturally, I wanted to bring two grounded whodunit thrillers to the microdrama space. I wanted people to feel like they’re watching a movie on the big screen, just vertically.

CIRCLE OF LIES: Five estranged friends. One remote cabin. Forty-eight hours. $5 million each.The offer sounds simple: stay together and walk away rich. Then the doors lock, a dead friend’s name appears, and every secret they buried starts clawing its way out. In this circle, the truth may be the deadliest trap of all.

MIRROR: Brittany has spent her entire life in her twin sister’s shadow. But when Ashley steals her biggest creation, betrayal becomes obsession, and Brittany realizes her sister doesn’t just want her success. She wants her life.

Go watch both on @atwistofficial now! Tell ya cousins.

I want to thank the amazing people who made this happen. My director, @dennisdortch who flew from LA to Toronto to make this happen. My co-producer, @emmkab , who was my Swiss Army blade. Without you, filming in Toronto would have been impossible. He also led prayer on set every morning. We needed that. My First AD @emily.dejesuss , my DP, @maxgleiser .

My cast, my goodness... y’all BROUGHT IT with these performances. Now we get to share your talents with the world. I believe microdramas are fertile soil for discovering the next big stars of this generation, and I believe we have a couple. Remember their names.

Most importantly, Hartbeat. Without y’all, none of this would’ve happened. Thank you for believing in my vision to bring something traditionally different from what’s already in the market.

It’s Hollywood studios like this that are actually giving the next generation of filmmakers an opportunity to bring stories to life that can be enjoyed by everyone. by @michaelmaponga

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12 days ago

Five friends. $5 million. 48 hours to survive.

🎬: Circle of Lies out September 24th on @atwistofficial by @michaelmaponga

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13 days ago

Got some exciting news! My company @mapongastudios just launched a new cable channel, @blackcreatornetwork in 9 African countries today on @azamtvtz !! BET left Africa, we came in ✊🏿 what a journey.

What's even more personal, is one of those countries is my home country, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 . To imagine bringing a cable network back home is wild! No magic pill, stay consistent.

Tremendously blessed to be bringing millions of folks premium content.

A new era of Black entertainment.

Glory to God!

#blackcreatornetwork by @michaelmaponga

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6 months ago

So full after this weekend, showered with so much love from friends and family. I can’t thank my sister and mom enough for the planning and labor of love that went into everything. And to everyone who came out, drove, or flew in, thank you. We are truly rich in love. by @michaelmaponga

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a year ago

Year 7. 💍 + one 🧸🥹 by @michaelmaponga

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a year ago

In 2023, we were told we couldn’t have children. Doctors said IVF was the only way. Instead of holding onto their words, we chose to hold onto God’s.

The waiting was hard. There were moments I felt forgotten, moments I cried out not knowing if He heard me. But He did. He never left. And in His perfect timing, He healed me completely.

Now, this year, we carry the miracle we once only dreamed of, our son.

To our baby: you are our answered prayer, our testimony, our proof that God is still in the business of doing the impossible. We can’t wait to meet you.

Jesus, all the glory is Yours.

Thank you so much @hellolaurabeth for capturing this moment so perfectly. by @michaelmaponga

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a year ago

📍 African Film Summit - San Jose CA

Michael Maponga @michaelmaponga , Founder of AfroLand TV (@afrolandtv) shared some uplifting words we believe every African creative needs to hear right now.

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#Empowerment #SVAFF #Thoughts #Perspective #AfricanCinema #MichaelMaponga #AfrolandTV by @michaelmaponga

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a year ago

taken in Toronto, Ontario by @michaelmaponga

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a year ago

📸 Today at @blackscreenoffice’s #bsosymposium2025: SIA members provided a roadmap for independent content creators/storytellers to navigate the streaming ecosystem—from pitching projects and scripts to building their creative teams and beyond. 💥

#streaming #innovation taken in Toronto, Ontario by @michaelmaponga

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2 years ago

As an entrepreneur, I invest so much time building and creating..meaning my work is personal. That's why its important to switch it up and enjoy it... I always bring my best friend for the ride. What a blessing getting to speak in DC last week on a panel that included Paramount, Televisa Univision, and Mann Studios about where the film industry is going. Thank you @streamingia @motionpictures for the invite.

Photo credit - Kevin Dietsch taken in Washington D. C. by @michaelmaponga

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3 years ago