In a pioneering move to combat gender inequity within the animation sector, Cape Town-based Triggerfish has joined forces with UNESCO to launch The Creator Labs. This endeavor aims to uplift African women by providing them with essential skills and opportunities in animation. Despite the African film industry contributing approximately $5 billion annually to the continent’s GDP and employing over five million individuals, women—especially women of color—are starkly underrepresented in leadership positions. This initiative is crucial for not only advancing careers but also enriching the industry itself.
The Creator Labs will serve as a comprehensive capacity-building program specifically designed for women. It will include a Director Lab and an Animation Art Lab, equipping participants with practical skills and knowledge necessary for navigating the animation landscape. By utilizing Triggerfish’s non-profit foundation combined with UNESCO’s renowned expertise, the program emphasizes hands-on mentorship and networking, which are vital for career advancement in this competitive field.
The initiative includes masterclasses conducted by established professionals from the industry as well as small group mentorship sessions. Noteworthy contributors to the program include talented figures such as Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, Caroline Vos, and others involved in the acclaimed Disney+ series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. Their involvement underscores the importance of mentorship, as it connects emerging artists with industry veterans who can guide them through the complexities of animation production.
In an effort to democratize access to education in animation, Triggerfish will make training materials available online via the Triggerfish Academy. This means that aspiring animators from all backgrounds can benefit from the resources, regardless of their geographic or economic position. Such an initiative is instrumental in fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, allowing a broader spectrum of voices to contribute to the storytelling landscape.
Carina Lücke, Director of the Triggerfish Foundation, articulated the imperative of empowering women in animation: “Empowering African women in animation is not just a goal; it’s a necessity.” This sentiment echoes UNESCO’s findings, which pointed to a glaring gap in education and training that predominantly affects women. By tackling these issues head-on, the partnership aims to enhance career opportunities and bridge the gender divide in the industry.
Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, emphasized the urgency of this initiative: “The new partnership with Triggerfish Foundation is an important part of responding to these existing needs.” The Creator Labs will open applications on January 5, 2025, with online masterclasses and mentoring set to commence in March of the same year.
As the animation industry continues to evolve, initiatives like The Creator Labs represent a critical step towards inclusivity and equality. By equipping African women with the tools and network necessary for success, Triggerfish and UNESCO are not just supporting gender equality; they are paving the way for a richer, more diverse creative sector that can tell a wider range of stories and experiences. This program has the potential to reshape the future of animation in Africa, signifying a vital shift towards an industry that truly reflects its diverse contributors.
Leave a Reply