currently researching african animation : interested in compiling a database of practitioners in various sub-saharan countries : welcome any postings from practitioners

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Ezra Wube makes his mark in Time Square

Ethiopian artist and animator has recently shown his work as part of the Time Square Public Art Project - Midnight Moments. In a similar vein to his other work, Ezra looks at journeys from places and through spaces.


Monday, November 04, 2013

Botswana Animation Group BAG

Some time ago I posted a small entry about an animator from Botswana who was blogging. I recently stumbled across another welcome addition to the content on the web. The Botswanaanimationgroup - setup by four animators, Ray Thabang Setlhare, Sudi Mwale, Theetso Xavier Matongo, Onkemetse Lesemela - making their mark. Its just a shame that the last entry was posted in 2012. Here's hoping they keep up the good effort.


Thursday, October 31, 2013

Another addition from The Black Heart Gang

The Black Heart Gang moves to stop-motion with this charming addition to their portfolio....
The Dinner Party



You can view more of their work on their site at
 theblackheartgang.com

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Moustapha Alassane - Father of Sub-Saharan Animation ... a documentary on his life and work

Maria Silvia Bazzoli is responsible for the seminal text 'African Cartoon' (2003) published in Italian by Castoro Publishers that presents a collection of articles by various historians and filmmakers describing animation on the African continent.

In 2009, she followed her publication with a documentary film made with Christian Lelong, on the works and life of this key filmmaker from Niger. The film is a rare example that documents the earliest examples of post-colonial animation made in the early 1960's by a key figure in the field.

The film can be purchased at Amazon - see:
Moustapha Alassane, cinéaste du possible by cinedocfilms

Thursday, September 26, 2013

The Colonial Friend / L'ami y'a bon (2004)

Another great addition to the collection of African animation, this coproduction (between Algeria and France) directed by Rachid Bouchareb tells the story of a 'Senegalese family man Aby enlists in the army, distinguishes himself in battle, and is captured. But when he returns to his country, the French army refuses to pay him for his services. This beautifully animated film records the 1944 incident in which Senegalese veterans were gunned down after demanding payment for their military service.'

Monday, August 26, 2013

kenyan animation blog...

For current information on the animation scene in Kenya and a great contribution to the blogosphere
kenyanimators makes for a welcome addition to online information about anything animation in Kenya...

Check out the great post dated 29 July 2013, on this years National Film Conference and Exhibition in Nairobi 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Pokou Princess Ashanti.... Ivory Coast's 3D CGI Animation


A small group of Ivorian self-taught animators, are causing quite a stir with their newly released 'Pokou Princess Ashanti'. The group go by the name of AFRIKATOON and are busy already working on a host of other animated projects. You can read all about their journey in making this film on jeuneafrique.com 


Here is a sneak preview of their film...

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Madagascar new generation animation...

A recent search of the more recent film festivals on the continent, of note the Luxor International Film Festival, The Comoros Film Festival and the Madagascar Film Festival list a host of new young emerging animators from Madagascar... headlining 
Sitraka Randriamahaly, Andry Rarivonandrasana and Ridha Andriantomanga



Monday, April 29, 2013

resources for discussions on African animation.... IMAGINAFRIK






IMAGINAFRIK is a great online resource/ community of individuals interested, talking about and making African animation. Whilst it is mostly in French, google translate does a good job of translating to the relevant language of your choice. The discussions in the forum are varied from South Africa to Burkina Faso, in places with inserted videos to watch. Its a treasure trove of topical discussions and worth exploring...



a little discovery made somewhere in the trails of discussions...

Monday, April 08, 2013

Yellow Fever screens at CinemAfrica 2013




Ng'endo Muki 's animated documentary Yellow Fever was screened in March at the Museum of Modern Art, Sweden as part of a focus in the CinemAfrica Festival. The website provides the context for this focus,

In 2012, raging debate on the representation of black, whiteness and racism in Sweden.Racist stereotypes in popular culture was repeatedly ransacked and debating. Where do we go, how we want the representation of blacks should look like and how do we get there in a country where many seem to ignore the structural and symbolic racism that surrounds us all? Akosua Adoma Owusu and Ng'endo Mukii, two highly topical filmmaker with roots in the African continent, recur in his films and his art to the right identity, hair, skin, race and colonialism. 

This film is gaining success in different art and animation circuits and resonates with both local and foreign audiences alike. You can view more of Ng'endo's films at her site thenge

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Animation in Africa: New Publication by Ghazala





Congratulations to Mohammed Ghazala for the recent publication of his book Animation in Africa. Another contribution to the much needed literature in this field. We are waiting to hear when and where the book will be available for purchase. Currently only available in Egypt!

Kenya's Just a Band make it to TED




Just a Band will be making their way to the TED talks in Edinburgh talking alongside Neurologists, Politicians and Economists... the theme for this year's TED Global talks Think Again. They will be presenting in Session 9: Forces of Change on Thursday, June 13, 2013, 2:15pm-4:00pm (Edinburgh, BST/GMT+1). 

We are in the midst of a global remix. Disciplines merge and cross-pollinate. Technology intrudes into biology and society. Power and authority are redistributed. Boundaries shift -- or disappear. Hopes and anxieties collide. A new world is emerging at the intersection of once-separated realities, and everything we think we know might just be wrong. TEDGlobal 2013 will bring together those who challenge us to pause for an instant and Think Again.
You can read more about the event on TED

And this is my most recent favourite track of theirs.... its Kenyan all over!





Sunday, March 24, 2013

smooth and natural transitions... a documentary on Ezra Wube

Still on the theme of Ezra Wube's animated films, I recently stumbled across this documentary about his work on youtube. It provides some insight into the artist's own personal interests, what motivates his work, and what themes reoccur.





Monday, February 25, 2013

Wube's 'new home'... and recurring motifs

Ethiopian Ezra Wube recently released his animated film  - 'new home : addis bet' - another beautiful contribution to his body of work that evokes the similar motifs that appear in his earlier animated films, the amharic text, the sense of travelling, the nomadic silhouetted figures and the goat! His work is all featured on his youtube channel Ezrademas.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Bino and Fino at the MoAD

The Museum of African Diaspora in San Francisco will be screening Bino and Fino for all to watch... how refreshing to see animation exhibited alongside other art forms still or moving.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Animation Apprentices: Kenya's Recon-Digital Investment in future talent

Previously featured here, Kenya's animator Gatumia Gatumia made his entry into 3D computer animation with his political short “The Greedy Lords of the Jungle” and humorous take on familial life “Domestic Disturbance”. More recently his company Recon-Digital has made an impact by introducing an animation apprenticeship for 7 young animation enthusiasts. The company aimed 'to identify, train and retain' young talent with a view to encourage the growth of a sector in Kenya and to enable the generation of local content for a local audience. Well done to Gatumia and his team for this great initiative! You read an interview with the company here: Techmoran To view all 7 animations go to Youtube CHannel RECON