DFM to Explore Opportunities for Women in Animation 

By Vanessa Obioha 

As animation continues to grow and become an important facet of the African film industry, the industry is grappling with the challenge of becoming more diverse and generating opportunities for professionals across the gender spectrum. In ‘Creative Currency – Professional Opportunities For Women in the Animation Industry,’  the Durban FilmMart (DFM) will bring together professionals who are working to create a more diverse and inclusive industry for women-identifying animators. Featured guests include Nigerian Ebele Okoye (Jolly Squid), Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt (Chocolate Tribe) and Mounia Aram (Mounia Aram Company). 

“The animation industry in Africa is witnessing significant growth and recognition, especially as it highlights cultural diversity and unique perspectives, earning international acclaim for African animators’ creativity and storytelling,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart. “At DFM, collaboration and networking among African animators will be on the rise, with a dedicated offering of events for animation practitioners.”  

Scheduled for July 21-24, the 2023 edition marks the third time DFM is putting its spotlight on animation in the Industry Programme with the Animation@DFM strand. Under the theme ‘African Constellations,’ eight animation projects will be showcased at the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum.  

The animation projects include ‘The Passport of Mallam Ilia’ (Nigeria), ‘Sola’ (South Africa), ‘Spiky to the Core’ (Egypt), ‘Naledi’ (South Africa), ‘My ig World BIG’ (South Africa), ‘Between Heaven and Earth’ (Entre ciel et terre) (Tunisia), ‘Boy Boi’ (Kenya), and ‘Azania Rises: Season 1’ (South Africa).