In a significant move to promote gender equality in the African animation landscape, Triggerfish, a renowned production company based in Cape Town, has partnered with UNESCO to launch “The Creator Labs.” This program is designed to address the gender disparities that exist within the animation sector while promoting inclusivity and empowering women, particularly women of color. The African film and audiovisual industry contributes approximately $5 billion to the continent’s GDP, employing over five million individuals. Yet, the representation of women in leadership roles remains alarmingly low, leaving a vast potential untapped.
The Creator Labs initiative aims to develop a comprehensive capacity-building program specifically for women in animation. It will include specialized modules such as a Director Lab and an Animation Art Lab aimed at nurturing budding artists and filmmakers. Participants will have the chance to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals through a series of masterclasses, intimate mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities. Resources and training materials will also be made freely available online, courtesy of Triggerfish Academy, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.
Esteemed contributors to the program include notable figures such as Ng’endo Mukii and Tshepo Moche, who have ties with the Disney+ series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, as well as established professionals from various successful projects. Their involvement provides a wealth of experience and knowledge that participants can leverage to enhance their skills and career prospects.
Why This Program is Necessary
Carina Lücke, the Director of Triggerfish Foundation, emphasizes that empowering women in animation is not merely an aspiration, but an essential step towards achieving true progress in the industry. By focusing on elevating women’s roles in leadership positions throughout the creative pipeline, this initiative seeks to dismantle the entrenched barriers that hinder diversity and innovation.
The sentiment is echoed by UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone, who highlights the crucial findings of a UNESCO publication revealing significant gaps in education and training within the African film sector, particularly for women. The collaboration between Triggerfish and UNESCO is a proactive response to these pressing needs, aiming to enhance career opportunities for women in the realms of television and filmmaking through technical and vocational training in animation production.
Applications for The Creator Labs opened recently and are set to remain open until January 5, 2025. The online masterclasses and mentoring sessions are poised to take place from March to May 2025, providing participants with transformative experiences and valuable connections within the industry.
Triggerfish is not a stranger to success, having previously produced acclaimed content such as Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire and Supa Team 4 for Netflix. This new initiative underscores the company’s commitment to not only cultivating talent in animation but also ensuring that the industry’s future is reflective of the diverse voices and perspectives within Africa. With programs like The Creator Labs in place, there lies a hopeful and promising horizon for women aspiring to make their mark in animation and beyond.