The Cape Town International Animation Festival: Celebrating South African Animation

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South African animators

For animation aficionados, the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIF) is a must-attend event. Established in 2011, it has become the largest dedicated animation festival in Africa, showcasing the best of South African animation while providing a platform for animators to connect with each other and with global industry leaders.

The CTIF has come a long way since its inception, growing every year with an ever-expanding range of events, workshops, and masterclasses. As I reflect on past festivals, I’m struck by how much the animation industry in South Africa has evolved. When I first attended the CTIF in 2013, there were only a handful of studios and animators in the country, and the festival’s focus was largely on education and networking. Now, the industry has grown significantly, and the festival highlights the country’s unique storytelling and creative talents.

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Showcasing South African Creativity

One of the most exciting things about the CTIF is the platform it provides for South African animators to showcase their work. This year’s festival features a lineup of top animators, including Marc Moynihan and Dylan McGarry, who will explore the cultural and spiritual significance of the oceans from a South African perspective. Additionally, Annike Pienaar, an animation director and character animator, will present her work that has enabled her to relocate to France. The festival will also feature Daniel Snaddon, an award-winning director, and Samantha Cutler, who will present on ‘The Smeds and Smoos.’

Driving Innovation and Job Creation

The CTIF plays a crucial role in driving innovation in the animation industry and creating job opportunities. According to the festival organizers, South African animators have made significant economic impacts in the industry. The festival’s director, Dianne Makings, aims to empower the next generation of animators while promoting their achievements. This is particularly important for a country like South Africa, where many young people lack access to education and opportunities.

A Hybrid Programme for All

The CTIF has always been about more than just screenings and workshops. This year’s festival will coincide with Comic Con Cape Town, offering a hybrid programme that includes masterclasses, competitions, and training courses for animation and film-making enthusiasts. The event will feature renowned animation experts from Pixar Animation Studios, Netflix, Warner Media, and Sony Pictures Animation. Whether you’re an aspiring animator, a seasoned pro, or simply a lover of animation, there’s something for everyone at the CTIF.

I look forward to the upcoming CTIF, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunities it provides for South African animators. The festival has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade, showcasing the country’s unique creative talents and providing a platform for animators to connect with each other and with industry leaders. As the festival continues to evolve, I’m excited to see what the future holds for the animation industry in South Africa.

Tumi Makgale is a Cape Town-based journalist whose crisp reportage on the city’s booming green-tech scene is regularly featured in the Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. Born and raised in Gugulethu, she still spends Saturdays bargaining for snoek at the harbour with her gogo, a ritual that keeps her rooted in the rhythms of the Cape while she tracks the continent’s next clean-energy breakthroughs.

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