In a pivotal move for the animation industry in Africa, Triggerfish, a renowned animation studio based in Cape Town, has teamed up with UNESCO to unveil The Creator Labs. This innovative program is specifically designed to empower African women in animation, addressing the pressing gender disparities that persist within the industry. As the African film and audio-visual sector significantly contributes around $5 billion to the continent’s GDP and supports over five million jobs, the importance of fostering inclusivity has never been more critical.
Despite the impressive economic contributions of the film sector, women, especially women of color, remain largely absent in leadership roles. This underrepresentation highlights a systemic barrier that stifles diversity and innovation. The Creator Labs initiative seeks to rectify this imbalance through a comprehensive suite of capacity-building programs tailored specifically for women. By leveraging Triggerfish’s non-profit foundation alongside UNESCO’s global expertise, the initiative aims to create a nurturing environment where female talent can thrive in a traditionally male-dominated space.
The Creator Labs will encompass two primary components—a Director Lab and an Animation Art Lab. These specialized programs will provide participants with invaluable resources including masterclasses facilitated by industry leaders and small group mentorship sessions, offering a blend of hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Notably, educational materials will be made freely available through Triggerfish Academy, ensuring that the knowledge gained through these programs can reach a wider audience.
Renowned professionals such as Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, and Caroline Vos—who were involved in the acclaimed series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire—are contributors to this initiative, promising a wealth of experience and guidance for the participants. This setup not only enhances practical skills but also fosters connections that are crucial in the creative world.
The commitment to empowering women in the animation sector is echoed by Carina Lücke, Director of the Triggerfish Foundation. She emphasizes, “Empowering African women in animation is not just a goal; it’s a necessity.” Through such collaborations, the aspiration is to dismantle obstacles and promote creativity and innovation, paving the way for a more inclusive animation industry.
Furthermore, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone, highlights the critical need for improved education and training. His statement underscores that many women face significant challenges in accessing these opportunities, and the partnership with Triggerfish aims to create pathways for women to excel in various capacities within the industry.
The application window for The Creator Labs is now open and will continue until January 5, 2025, providing ample time for interested candidates to apply. The program’s online masterclasses and mentorship sessions will commence in March 2025, running until the end of May. This initiative is more than just a program; it embodies the collective vision of creating a more equitable future in animation on the African continent.
Triggerfish, celebrated for its contributions to series like Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire and Supa Team 4, is poised to make a lasting impact through this initiative. By focusing on women’s empowerment, The Creator Labs has the potential to reshape the narrative of African animation, fostering a new wave of creativity and representation in the industry.
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