Partnerships strengthen the growth of South African animation industry at Annecy
10 June 2019, Johannesburg: The NFVF in partnership with Animation South Africa, Department of Trade and Industry, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct are proud to be supporting and leading a South African delegation comprising of four animation students and professionals to this year’s Annecy Animated Film Festival (Annecy) and Market (MIFA) held between the 10th and 15th of June 2019 in France.
The NFVF aims to promote South African content and the animation sector, explore new markets for South African content, secure additional partnerships for co-production and participate in a skills exchange programme at the festival.
The NFVF ran a nationwide competition whereby final year animation students submitted character designs that are inspired by lead characters from South African films and in return stood a chance of winning a trip to Annecy to participate in a skills exchange programme at MIFA. The 4 lucky students, Antoinette Malan, Abraham Mohotsi, Claudia E’Silva and Jared Dean Mahonri were selected to showcase their artwork at the festival and their work was incorporated in the stand design alongside other SA animation professionals.
‘’I feel super psyched to be heading to France, where I get to see what’s happening in the animation industry. Some of the greatest filmmakers will be attending Annecy, and I cannot wait to engage with some of them,’’ said Abraham Mohotsi, NFVF funded student.
‘’The animation film genre is increasingly becoming an important area of diversification for the local film industry. In order to support this growing sector, skills development and training are important aspects of our development strategy. This year’s winners will not only get the opportunity to learn from the very best animators in the world but also through their participation at the Festival, develop professional networks that will serve them well in their future careers,” said Joy Mawela Head of Industry Development & Promotions.
The NFVF is excited to announce the signing of an official partnership agreement with the French Embassy in South Africa which will afford talented South African and French animation practitioners, and institutions the opportunity to collaborate and enhance both industries. Gobelins Animation College based in France will also be announcing the scholarship recipients who will be studying a master degree sponsored by the NFVF, Animation School, The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Netflix.
“It is imperative that as the national funding body for film in South Africa, that we continue to find new partners and avenues that will assist us in our drive towards an inclusive, and equitable film industry.” said Joy Mawela Head of Industry Development & Promotions.
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For further information:
Neo Moretlwe
Communications Coordinator,
National Film and Video Foundation
Tel: +27 11 483 0880 ext: 207
Keagile Makgoba
Senior Consultant, Instinctif Partners
Tel: +27 11 050 7524
Mobile: +27 82 325 9063