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Triggerfish and UNESCO Launch Initiative to Tackle Gender Disparity Among African Women in Animation

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Triggerfish, the Cape Town-based studio behind Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire on Disney+, has joined forces with UNESCO to combat gender disparity in African animation through a new program focusing on women creators.

The initiative, called The Creator Labs, aims to address the underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color, in leadership roles within the animation sector.

According to Triggerfish and UNESCO, the African film and audiovisual industry contributes approximately $5 billion to the continent’s GDP and employs over five million people, yet gender inclusivity remains a pressing issue.

A Program for Women by Women

The Creator Labs will focus on empowering African women in animation through two dedicated programs: a Director Lab and an Animation Art Lab.

These labs will provide participants with access to masterclasses led by prominent industry professionals, one-on-one mentorship opportunities, and valuable networking platforms.

Additionally, training materials will be made freely available online via Triggerfish Academy.

Contributors to the initiative include renowned creators such as Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, and Caroline Vos (Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire), Cinzia Angelini (Hit Pig!), and Nadia Darries (Star Wars Visions Vol. 2).

Carina Lücke, Director of Triggerfish Foundation, emphasized the significance of the program saying:“Empowering African women in animation is not just a goal; it’s a necessity. Through this collaboration with UNESCO, we aim to advance gender equality in animation. By prioritizing leadership positions throughout the pipeline, we’re not only cultivating creativity and innovation but also dismantling obstacles for a more inclusive and diverse industry.”

Addressing Educational Gaps

The initiative also seeks to bridge the educational and training gaps that disproportionately affect women in Africa’s film sector.

Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, highlighted the importance of the program stating:“UNESCO’s publication on the African film sector highlighted a major gap in education and training across the continent – and it disproportionately affects women. The new partnership with Triggerfish Foundation is an important part of responding to these existing needs. Through technical and vocational education in animation production, we’ll contribute to enhancing career opportunities in TV and filmmaking among women.”

Key Dates and Participation

Applications for The Creator Labs are open and will remain available until January 5, 2025.

The program’s online masterclasses and mentoring sessions are set to run from March through May 2025.

Triggerfish, known for its groundbreaking work on Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (Disney+, 2023), Supa Team 4 (Netflix), and Aau’s Song (Star Wars Visions Vol. 2), continues to prioritize diversity in its projects.

By partnering with UNESCO, the studio aims to inspire a new generation of African women to lead the way in animation.

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