There’s currently a renaissance of the animation film industry in Nigeria because recently, we have reported about two upcoming animated films – Niyi Akinmolayan’s The Passport of Mallam Ilia under Magic Carpet Studios, and adapted from the Cyprien Ekwensu novel of the same name and Frogeck from Anthill Studios. Even before these projects became public knowledge, there was the animated short Plaything that went viral in 2016 and the Adventures of Lola and Chuchu, a 13-episode series.
As it is, animated movies are pushing towards mass consumption and diversifying cinema. And it’s in this spirit that brings Goethe-Institut Nigeria and institutions Français Nigeria in a collaborative effort to celebrate Animation Film Day. In a statement from the Goethe-Institut and signed by Aderinsola Ajao, the event is supported by the African International Film Festival.
“As part of the Franco-German Cultural Fund, the diplomatic and cultural missions of France and Germany in Nigeria organise a third workshop for animation filmmakers in their two-year project on animation film in Nigeria. The workshop will take place from November 12 – 15 at Afrinolly and will be facilitated by the German animation film expert Samuel Weikopf (Berlin). Main topics are improving quality, capacity building and management strategies,” the statement reads.
The event will bring together film animators like Niyi Akinmolayan and Stanlee Ohikhuare. Others include Nigerian-German animation filmmaker Ebele Okoye, Christopher Guignement (French), Alexandre Rideau (French), Tayo Fasunon, Yoann Talhouarne and OJ Okosun. Animation Film Day is slated to hold on Friday, November 16.
