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.'

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...

KENYAN ANIMATORS PAVILION 

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

Jean Michel Kibushi talks about his journey...

Just a Band : Remembering our musical heroes: Bill Sellanga at TEDxNairobi

Ghana - the animated short inspired by Ghana

The talents of the 19 year old Ghanian Illustrator and Animator Gyimah Gariba currently studying at Sheridan on show in this little short inspired by Ghana....
You can read all about his endeavours on his blog at http://ggariba.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Ghana from Gyimah on Vimeo.

Ghana from Gyimah on Vimeo.

Teenage Mutant Politicians - South Africa's political parody

A political parody of X-men this 2D animation uses humour to critique South Africa's politics...

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...

The XYZ just keeps on going!

Ever growing popularity of The XYZ Show is discussed on VOA TV

Another Africa recommends....

on African arts and culture exhibitions in 2012 see: Another Africa

Thinking Again: Versal Magazine and the Concept of the Translocal

Thinking Again: Versal Magazine and the Concept of the Translocal

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

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...

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

CartoonBrew on Nigerian Animation....

A recent article posted on the 20th November by Amid Amidi on CartoonBrew reviews the state of animation in Nigeria making special mention of Bino and Fino and a more recent addition by SporeDust Media and their animation Chicken Core: The Rise of Kings directed by Oricha Aliyu. 
The interview and links make for a great read, and in addition this makes for another interesting addition to the body of work from Nigeria. 

AIM 2012 exciting frontiers... Modern Africa

This years Africa in Motion which has extended to two cities Edinburgh and Glasgow, is sure to provide exciting new material to look out for on the African film front. To talk about see past festival director and festival chair, Lizelle Bisschoff






Of particular interest look out for

Kenyan - Ngendo Mukii's Yellow Fever (2012)
Ethiopian - Danny Gebeyehu & Bisrat Amare Abeba and Abebe: The Pepper Merchant (2011)
Burkinabe - Lazare Sie Pale Le Parain (2011)
Kenyan - (Bob) Muchiri Njenga  Kichwateli (2011)

Kenyan Wasi PSA

This new PSA created by Majiqmud Pete from Kenya for the WASI Campaign

On DIaspora and Animation

As my search for Sub-Saharan animation continues, it is becoming increasing hard to look at African animation without considering the role and movement of the diaspora as a contributing force to the body of work that currently circulates the public domain. Some artists work between different places, move from Africa to Europe or America and back again... Their constant movement makes it somewhat more difficult to place their work but it invites a new set of questions about the 'transnational', migration and identity... It also leads to more unexpected discoveries such as the artists/animators mentioned here and the 'accented' approach to their work-
One happy discovery to add to the growing list
Samba Fall -  from Senegal - Whilst currently practising in Norway, Samba Fall's introduction to animation came through employment in Dakar by Pictoon - whom also recruited Piniang * mentioned previously - and whom also was a graduate from the Dakar Academy of Fine Arts. You can view his work here: http://www.sfall.com/

SHUJAAZ.FM rocks and wins the International Digital Emmy Award!

What is Shujaaz? Well Told Story describe it like this.....


At its heart Shujaaz.FM is a story about four young Kenyans growing up and meeting life’s many challenges. 

600,000 copies of the 32-page colour comic-book Shujaaz.FM are distributed nationally each month, reaching at least 3,000,000 readers.


Shujaaz mostly known of in Kenya for its monthly comic books with an young and funky edge

but featured also for its animated content and short online episodes... 




....and have just won the International Digital Emmy Award  in the Digital Program: Children & Young People category, cited as having beaten some of the giants of international media. 

WELL DONE to all those involved.... and mostly the producers and distributors Well Told Story!! 

Subscribe to SHUJAAZ TV here

NDINADSAWAPANGA - I Will Tell International Film Festival

This year's IWILLTELL Film Festival will be screening a special category of African World Film Festival Selections, and the Anime Caribe selection. The selection includes a collection of animated shorts ranging from traditional drawn animation such as Rooted by Victor Opeyokun to computer generated 3D animations such as Victor Dollabaille's Dream Vs Reality.

 

Plugged Digital Expo in Kenya

Kenya's  PLUGGED DIGITAL EXPO will be showcasing digital technologies and related industries for the East African region.
It runs on the 13th - 14th July in the Sarit Centre, Nairobi 


It will include exhibitors in zones 

• Mobile Zone - mobile phones, tablets, accessories, portable devices
• Digi Zone - touch screens, Computers, Laptops, displays, print solutions, routers, automated office solutions, communication technology.
• Mobile apps Pit - mobile apps, mobile business solutions, payment solutions and mobile games.
• Apps Bar - sample shots of information on must-have apps for mobile devices. 
• Simulator Zone – flight simulators, Visual Effects, Driving simulators
• Studio Grid - media, broadcast, 3D, HD, Programming, Cable, Triple play, satellite, streaming, set top boxes, content creators and digital distribution technology.
• Innovator's Pavilion – meet Kenya's innovators who will shape and determine Kenya's future in the digital and technology space.
• Cloud 9 - Dedicated to cloud based solutions, tools and tutorials for businesses

The conference also includes a focus on digital content distribution for television, film and animation - which should be of particular interest to practising animators/ producers in this field.

For more info go to:
http://www.pluggedexpo.com/

Ngendo Mukii's Yellow Fever (2012)

The artist and animator Ngendo Mukii from Kenya, has recently completed her graduate film for the prestigious RCA, London. Her film is a personal narrative on questions of identity and skin colour and in particular African feminine voices on self-image.  It is an exciting contribution to Kenyan animation and resonates with the concerns of other filmmakers/ animators from the continent.

 
Yellow Fever: TRAILER from Ng'endo Mukii on Vimeo.

SinAnimation... Ivorian Coast Animation

Officially launched in 2007, known for its animated series "C KEMA?" (2010) and FOOT'IVOIRE (2008) an animated series with an awarding winning episode at the International Film Festival in Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire. The animation company Sinanimation is another great find! 

You can read all about the company on this article by culturiche.com

International Trickfilm Festival, Stuttgart: African Animation Program

The Animation Film Festival being hosted in Stuttgart this year is featuring a timely African animation program with a focus on the Arab Revolution or Arab Spring. The program is being curated by the Egyptian animator Mohammed Ghazala. The details of the program are limited to a description of the spirit of the event with a emphasis on the aesthetic of 'revolution and challenge'.  This contribution is surely to be an exciting addition to the Trikfilm Festival. Well done Mohammed Ghazala!

"The programme shows bold portraits as well as wry cartoons on the Islamist resurgence at the polls. Photographs, graffiti, paintings, videos and sculpture explore the issues spotlighted with the ouster of dictator Zine al Abidine Ben Ali: freedom of speech and religion, women’s rights, the online world, democracy building."

Click here for TRIKFILM Festival

BuniTV hits the web

Described as....

Buni TV is a web and mobile video channel that allows viewers to discover the best and most innovative content off the beaten path of mainstream entertainment.

What's even better is BuniTv shares it's advertising revenue with the content owners.

BuniTV offers a great collection of music videos, short films and animations. Featured in BuniTV's archive you can find Kwame Nyongo's Legend of Ngong Hills, and Just a Band's music videos Huff and Puff, WAGEUZI Battle 2012, and The XYZ Show Season 5's First Episode and many other creative shorts.


With Africa in Motion as an official sponsor, this site is sure to be a hive of creative activity!

Check out Africa in Motion TV also for more videos: AFRICA IN MOTION TV

Bino&Fino Easter Update

For those who have been following the Bino&Fino Success story, here is Adamu Wasiri giving everyone an update of the latest news...

ethiopiananimation.com

Courtesy of the Bino&Fino crew who linked to this animation, another great find from Ethiopia.

on animation in Zimbabwe

Whilst its not often that we get any news of the animation scene in Zimbabwe, there has been much activity including the Joint Afrikan Animation Group JAAG running various events including the Zimbabwe Festival of African Inspired Animation, ZIMFAIA. You can read all about this event and some budding artists work on the Global Press Article. 
JAAG's 2010 conference was the first official meeting of Zimbabwean animators and VFX practitioners and there is an online document of the proceedings that can be found here.

The Black Heart Gang talk about their work

Courtesy of DesignIndaba here is great little clip with the BlackHeartGang from South Africa, talking about their work, this includes also their own animation "The Tale of How".

Bino and Fino air on Sky TV in the UK

WAGEUZI: Battle 2012 Animated Short

Andrew Kaggia's animated short WAGEUZI will be released on the 2nd December. The short pre-release trailer looks like a kenyan-style cross between political sci-fi and the transformers...



A more recent and updated preview can be viewed at Andrew Kaggia's facebook page.

HomeBoyz Animation Showreel

Following their work on the TingaTinga Tales series, Homeboyz Animation Studio in Nairobi have released their most recent showreel of animated work... With some diverse styles and techniques its an exciting flavour of the Kenyan talent....

SHUJAAZ TV from Kenya

Another great animation from Kenya, as the first 'official' Shujaaz TV broadcast goes on YOUTUBE- put together by Just A Band's (and Shujaaz artist) Daniel Muli, Muchiri Njenga, Zoe Muthoga, Movin Were.

Mike Scott creates another hit for Goldfish...

AfriPOP reviews 7 African animators work....

Well done to the animators who have been reviewed on AfriPOP's website. The article gives a short bio of each artist and links to their work. Read all about Kwame Noyongo, Adamu Wasiri, Mohammed Ghazala, Ree Treweek, Gatumia, Phil Cunnigham, Anthony Sliverstone at AfriPOP.

Animation in Mali...

Described as an animated series of 20 episodes on the hisotry of Mali directed by Ismael Diallo and produced by InMedia, this body of work is another welcome addition to African animation. To read all about the production in more detail click on the article at Journal du Mali.

Inmedia is a corporation originally created in 1999 to address the gap in Multimedia in Mali.Since then great strides were made ​​in the area and many businesses and individuals with real expertise appeared. So after many changes Inmedia became an International Group with several partners and a network of international partners.Today it acts also as a marketing consultancy agent, specializing in developing communication tools, Radio, TV, web, animation and graphic design.

The Legend of Ngong Hills

Another great addition to the body of Kenyan animations, the animator Kwame Nyongo completes his charming animated short, The Legend of Ngong Hills.

"Based upon a Maasai folktale, 'The Legend of Ngong Hills' is the creation myth of these beautiful hills that backdrop present day Nairobi. Available in leading retail outlets across Kenya. See trailer on YouTUBE.
March 2011"

You can link to his website to read more about his other animations and work by clicking here
 Kwame Nyongo

Another animated film from Ezra Wube: Hisab

This beautiful painterly animation, based on Ethiopian folklore is another addition to the body of work by Ezra Wube. Here is a short excerpt - to watch the full 6 minute film go to IMDB or CLICK HERE

Great posting on African Graphic Novels...

Following on from an Issue in African Writing - Geoff Ryman posts a supplemental addition to his article with a collection of images from different African Graphic Novels and links to various articles on the subject - definitely worth taking a look! Click to go to AFRICAN GRAPHIC NOVELS

Ethiopian animator Bruktawit Tigabu gives an inspiring TED talk in ADDIS

An inspiring story about the start of "Teshai loves Learning", overcoming adversities and more Bruktawit talks about what drives her work....



You can read more about it here TEDxADDIS

Up and coming Ghanian animator's blog...

With some groovy pictures and great concept work... "Gyimah(pronounced:Jee-Ma) Litsitso Gariba.Second year Sheridan Animation student from Ghana living in Toronto" makes for a wonderful addition to the body of work inspired and made by African animators....

See Ggariba's Blog

a great Kenyan find... from political to humourous 3D animation

In 2009 - the A3 Genesis Event screened a program of animations that were both local to Kenya and other African countries. Hot off the press, this was the first time political animation "The Greedy Lords of the Jungle" was screened locally(British Council) to a local audience. It later screened at the Durban FIlm Festival in 2009. It resonanted on many levels not least because it followed the still very recent post election violence. A recent search for this animation led to the discovery of what now appears to be a company based in Nairobi, RECON Digital, working on other 3D Computer Generated animations. The new "Domestic Disturbance" is a great addition to their portfolio...




 Go to RECON DIgital to read more about the company

egyptian animation makes it voice heard...

With recent events unfolding across Eygpt and Tunisia
animation has found its place amongst the political voices...





For more visit KharabeeshCartoons Youtube Channel

Bino and Fino Launch their website!

Nigerian Animation Bino and Fino

can now be found on their very own website with stuff for sale, episodes to watch and more related info.

a rare tanzanian find...

Kitoi Mwelevututunze Vyanzo Vya Majiavi


whilst its not clear whether an animator by profession the enviromentalist Jerome Kimaru's productions are a great addition to evidence of Tanzanian animation

Tsehai loves Learning - Rolex Young Laureates

Well done to Brukti and the Whizzkids team for not only their 2008 prizes in Munich and Japan, but now the most recent Rolex Laureate Award.



You can watch the video about their great work in Ethiopia and education clicking here:
YoungRolexAwards

Animation from Botswana

On one of my many searches for more animation from the continent... I stumbled across this great little blog from an animator in Botswana called Onkemetse Lesemela

Onkemetse Crine Demo Reel from onkemetse Indo-Crine on Vimeo.

To read more about his work see:
http://onkemetseindo-crinerestlestimes.blogspot.com/

ShrinkFish Animation win a host of awards!

The Nigerian Animation company ShrinkFish Animation is becoming quite a name in festival circuits. Screening and winning a long list of awards for its most recent animation The Essence.
Shrinkfish studios on Vimeo.

Aguilar de Campoo Short Film Festival, Spain - 2010

Capalbio Cinema International, Rome - 2010

Africa in Motion (AiM) UK - 2010

Silicon Valley African Film Festival, California - .2010

ANIMAFRIK Animation Festival, Accra Ghana - 2010


The Essence from shrinkfish on Vimeo.

It is definitely worth a watch and keeping an eye out for any future work. Animator Ebele Okoye has been creating some exciting work and collaborating across continents. You can read all about her work on the ShrinkFish website

groovy Bhovas and Sam from South Africa

for all about the dynamic duo :) go to Bhovas and Sam

mike scott and more bruandboegie

check out the link to south african mike scott's blog including lots of great cartoons and animations
www.bruandboegie.co.za

Goldfish - Fort Knox from Bru Boegie on Vimeo.

William Kentridge: Anything is Possible

"William Kentridge: Anything Is Possible," a new hour-long film from the producers of the Peabody-Award winning "Art in the Twenty-First Century" television series. The film gives viewers an intimate look into the mind and creative process of William Kentridge, the South African artist whose acclaimed work has made him one of the most dynamic and exciting contemporary artists working today.

"William Kentridge: Anything Is Possible" premieres October 21, 2010 at 10:00 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings).

Teaser #3 | "William Kentridge: Anything Is Possible" (2010) | Art21 from Art21 on Vimeo.

XYZ Vibes in South Africa with Zapiro and ZA News

Working with the Zapiro Crew, in the style of the XYZ shows, this new controversial music video  "Chicken to Change" from Freshlyground never made it to mainstream media... but is circulating on the interweb instead.



Watch all the episodes on ZANEWS Tv's Youtube Channel

Bino and Fino Launch their first Episode

Although this will happen on the Bino Fino Facebook Page, I am sure that it will make its way on to YouTube in no time. In the meantime here is what they have to say about the new episode

"It’s finally here! The online premier of Africa’s latest children’s cartoon, Bino and Fino, is happening this Thursday 1:00pm Abuja, Nigeria time. This episode is all about you. Many of you have said you wanted to see more of Bino and fino so you and your children could get to know them better before the DVD c...omes out. Here’s your chance and there’re fewer better place than here on Facebook to let us know what you think.

This episode focuses on the idea of 2010 being an important year in Africa’s history as many countries are celebrating their 50th year of independence from colonial rule. To be honest this, subject matter is a bit heavier than those that will be handled in the episodes on the DVD. We just saw a rare opportunity to address an important historic African event in a children’s cartoon format. It’s definitely not a topic Disney would handle! That’s the beauty of being able to tell one’s own stories."