South African animators will be taking centre stage at the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIF) this year.
Also read: Shining its spotlight on African talent – CT International Animation Festival
Notable names include Marc Moynihan and Dylan McGarry, whose project – titled ‘Indlela Yokuphila, meaning ‘the soul’s journey’ in isiZulu – aims to educate about the cultural and spiritual significance of the oceans from a South African perspective. As well as Annike Pienaar, a character animator and animation director, whose work has enabled her to relocate to France where she works at a visual effects company.
Daniel Snaddon, a British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) award-winning director, best known for his work on Stickman (2015), The Snail and the Whale (2019), and Zog (2018), will also feature alongside Samantha Cutler, who will be presenting on the making of ‘The Smeds and Smoos’.
As the industry continues to grow, more opportunities are being created for local animators to showcase the country’s unique storytelling and creative talent. The CTIF is the largest dedicated African animation festival on the continent, featuring talks, workshops, screenings, producer meetings, business-to-business sessions and more. This platform not only provides animators a chance to engage with global industry leaders, but shines a spotlight on African talent.
According to the CTIF, the impact of South African animators is ‘not limited to their creative output. Their work has also had a significant economic impact, creating jobs, and driving innovation in the industry.’ Dianne Makings, director of the CTIF, says the festival aims to empower the next generation of animators ‘while holding a spotlight to the work that continues to come from the continent. We’ve witnessed the incredible growth of animation in South Africa, and year after year we’re continuously impressed by the immense success local artists have achieved, and we continue to advocate for, and promote these incredible achievements.
Co-located with the highly anticipated Comic Con Cape Town, the festival will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from the 27th to the 30th of April.
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Picture: Daniel Snaddon. / Supplied