In Kenya, Sarah Mallia’s animation project, “Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes,” directed by Chief Nyamweya, has been selected to participate in the 2024 Durban FilmMart. Out of over 100 applications, the project was chosen along with seven others. The two will undergo three months of training and development to prepare for the festival.
Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute, stated that the inclusion of animation in this year’s festival was due to the increasing demand for authentic African stories in international markets. She added that global demand for African animation content is growing, and international investors are seeking authentic African stories that capture authentic African characterisation.
In 2023, the adult animation “Big Mouth” featured an entire episode set in Kenya, voiced by Kenyan actors, and was praised for its accurate representation of Kenya’s matatu culture. Disney also began streaming an animated anthology series last year called “Kizazi Moto,” featuring stories from East Africa.
Reddy also explained that African creatives are seeking a good platform to showcase their work. The “Animation@DFM” program aims to create visibility for high-quality African content on the global stage, giving creative talent across the continent a space to be heard and seen.
