The African animation industry has undergone significant changes over the years, and it is still evolving. As the animation industry grows there are many short films and feature-length films being produced. More African animators are producing quality content, and international studios are taking note of the continent’s grassroots industry.
The African Animation Industry is Growing Quickly
The growth and development of the African animation industry have been greatly influenced by advances in technology. With more readily available computer animation tools and online training resources, many emerging African animators have started training themselves, sharing and learning from social media forums. We previously covered how Triggerfish, one of the continent’s leading animation studios started a free online academy for up and coming animators.
Despite the absence of quality studios with the necessary technical equipment, many individuals are starting studios all over Africa in order to meet the needs of the market for animation. Recently, partnerships have been announced with international animation studios Toonz Media Group and Baboon Animation, both of which plan to establish animation academies in Africa. The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) encourages skills for young animators to boost South Africa’s socio-economic sector.
With all of these avenues for African artists to hone their skills and to showcase their talent there have been a growing number of quality animated shorts being produced. Let’s take a look at the ones that really stand out.
Sip
A Kalabanda Ate My Homework
Little Bang (2007)
Shelter (2020)
Troll Girl
The Sugarcane Man
Belly Flop
Ember (2019)
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire
