Triggerfish, Africa’s animation studio, has teamed up with UNESCO to launch a groundbreaking initiative to advance women in the African animation industry. Titled “The Creator Labs”, the historic collaboration seeks to address gender disparities and foster inclusivity in the dynamic world of animation.
The African film and audiovisual industries are experiencing rapid growth, contributing an estimated $5 billion to the continent’s GDP and employing over 5 million people. However, women, particularly those of colour, remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the animation sector. Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, Triggerfish – through their non-profit foundation – has joined forces with UNESCO to create a comprehensive capacity-building programme tailored specifically for women in animation across Africa.
“UNESCO’s publication on the African film sector highlighted a major gap in education and training across the continent – and it disproportionately affects women. The new partnership with Triggerfish Foundation is an important part of responding to these existing needs,” says Ernesto Ottone R, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture. “Through technical and vocational education in animation production, we’ll contribute to enhancing career opportunities in TV and filmmaking among women.”
“Empowering African women in animation is not just a goal; it’s a necessity,” says Carina Lücke, Director of Triggerfish Foundation. “Through this collaboration with UNESCO, we aim to advance gender equality in animation. By prioritizing leadership positions throughout the pipeline, we’re not only cultivating creativity and innovation but also dismantling obstacles for a more inclusive and diverse industry.”
The Creator Labs are open to talent from across Africa and will offer a Director Lab for aspiring directors and an Animation Art Lab for artists. Participants will have access to masterclass sessions led by award-winning industry professionals, small group mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities designed to empower talent in their growth into leadership roles within the animation sector.
Training materials developed through the labs will be made freely accessible online through the Triggerfish Academy, ensuring that aspiring African creatives everywhere can benefit from these valuable resources.
The Labs are being crafted with guidance from award-winning Directors and Art Directors to ensure impactful and enriching sessions. Esteemed contributors include Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, and Caroline Vos (Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Disney+), Cinzia Angelini (Hit Pig!, Mila), Nadia Darries (Star Wars Visions Vol. 2, Lucasfilm), and many more pioneering African creators.
This partnership builds on Triggerfish’s 28 years of experience in the animation industry and UNESCO’s commitment to promoting gender equality and cultural diversity. Together, they aim to create a more inclusive and vibrant animation sector that reflects the diverse voices and stories of the African continent.
The Creator Labs open for applications on December 9, 2024, and remain open until January 5, 2025. Online masterclasses and mentoring sessions are scheduled to run from March 2025 through the end of May 2025.
Triggerfish Foundation is the non-profit arm of Triggerfish, Africa’s largest and most awarded animation studio. Established to stimulate excellence in African animation and drive philanthropic initiatives, the foundation focuses on bringing animation to underserved communities and making the animation industry more sustainable, inclusive, and diverse. Through a range of training interventions and partnerships with major industry players like Disney, Wacom, Toon Boom, and Netflix, Triggerfish Foundation leverages its leadership position to create access to quality animation training, advocacy, and educational content production across the African continent.
Triggerfish is the largest and most awarded animation studio in Africa. The studio has produced 3 feature films (Adventures in Zambezia, Khumba and Seal Team), and numerous short films for Magic Light and BBC One which have won multiple International Emmys, a BAFTA and an Oscar nomination. In 2023, Triggerfish released three original TV series: Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes (with Hasbro Studios and Disney Jnr), Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (for Disney+), Supa Team 4 (for Netflix) and the short film Aau’s Song, for the Star Wars anthology Visions Part 2.
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