EXCLUSIVE: Triggerfish, the Cape Town-based producer behind Disney+ series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, and UNESCO are launching a program for African women in animation.
The South African toon house has teamed with the United Nations organization to launch The Creator Labs, which will seek to address gender disparities and foster inclusivity in African animation.
According to Triggerfish and UNESCO, the African film and audio-visual sector contributes an estimated $5B to the continent’s GDP and employs over five million people. However, women, particularly those of color, remain underrepresented in leadership roles across the sector. The initiative will seek to make a comprehensive capacity-building program tailored to women through Triggerfish’s non-profit foundation and UNESCO’s expertise.
The initiative will comprise a Director Lab and an Animation Art Lab for artists. Participants will get access to masterclasses led by leading professionals, small group mentorship sessions and networking opportunities. Training materials will be made freely accessible online through Triggerfish Academy.
Among those contributing to the program are Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, and Caroline Vos who worked on Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Disney+), Cinzia Angelini (Hit Pig!) and Nadia Darries (Star Wars Visions Vol. 2).
“Empowering African women in animation is not just a goal; it’s a necessity,” said Carina Lücke, Director of Triggerfish Foundation. “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.”
“UNESCO’s publication on the African film sector highlighted a major gap in education and training across the continent – and it disproportionately affects women,” said Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture. “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.”
The Creator Labs will open for applications today, and remain open until January 5, 2025. Online masterclasses and mentoring sessions are scheduled to run from March 2025 through the end of May 2025.
Triggerfish is known for Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, which launched on Disney+ in 2023, and other shows such as Supa Team 4 for Netflix, short film Aau’s Song for the Star Wars anthology Visions Part 2. It has also made numerous short films for UK animation biz Magic Light Pictures and the BBC.
