Movies, animation, comics, gaming and tech. Want to know what’s happening in Africa and beyond? Here’s the Run Down for this week.
NEWS OUT OF AFRICA –Animation/Digital Art
Garbage Boy and Trash Can Was Only The Beginning
Self-taught animator, Ridwan Moshood grew to prominence in 2020 after the launch of his original and innovative animated series Garbage Boy and Trash Can.
Partly drawn from his own personal experiences, the series caught the attention of African Animation Network (AAN) and Baboon Animation Africa (BAA) and was even commissioned for WarnerMedia.
Although the show was such a huge and novel success, it is not the end. It is only the beginning as the founders of Baboon Animation and African Animation Network are now developing ways for more African creatives to make their mark on the world.
Baboon Animation and African Animation Network Partner Up
Drawing from the success of Garbage Boy and Trash Can, US-based company, Baboon Animation has partnered with the African Animation Network (AAN) to develop African talent.
To realise this goal, Baboon Animation has opened a new branch, Baboon Animation Africa and will be working closely with its partner to develop the skills of other African creators, give them the opportunity to partake of the growth within the animation industry and have “real ownership” of their content.
Announced in October of 2021, this partnership is just one of six ways the two organisations intend to tap the African creative talent. The other is The Great Big African Animation Pitch (TGBAAP), a talent search competition scheduled to take place in early 2022.
Find out more https://www.c21media.net/news/baboon-animation-partners-with-african-animation-network-on-new-outfit/
Drawing Books to Drawing Pads
The 21st Century has seen a great evolution in the ways in which artists approach their craft. From Africa to Europe, Asia to America, artists across the globe have traded in their paintbrushes and drawing books for styluses and digital drawing pads. Whilst some still create in the traditional way, digital art has definitely taken the lead.
Cameroonian artist, Felix Fokoua knows all about that. Having abandoned his traditional art tools for a drawing pad, he now makes us of digital art to promote African culture.
Fokoua Is Making His Mark
In years past, Fokoua has utilised his craft to celebrate African culture and has become quite well known. Having created Whatsapp and Telegram “stickers’ depicting Cameroonian culture, he has also been commissioned by telecommunication companies, MTN and Camtel and the online shopping platform, Jumia.
But most notably, Fokoua has used his talents to design the mascot for the upcoming African Cup of Nation soccer tournament, to be held in January 2022.
Fokoua work can be viewed largely on Instagram and Facebook, where he also receives numerous commissions from people abroad.
NEWS BEYOND AFRICA – Animation/Entertainment
Wonder Media Meaningfully Addresses Mental Health
Drawing inspiration from the increasingly popular genres of comic books and anime, animation company, Wonder Media have created a meaningful, thought provoking series targeting struggling youth.
Thoughtfully touching on themes of mental health and suicide, this show utilises the accessible medium of animation to remind teenagers across the globe that their lives are still worth living.
My Life Is Worth Living
An animated series, My Life Is Worth Living, connects the stories of five characters over 20 episodes and seeks to assist teens in handling negative thoughts and finding the courage to seek help and support.
Produced by Wonder Media and animated by Brazilian company, Split Studio, the series is available to view on YouTube.
Check out the first episode https://youtu.be/HOvFQKGUfhE
Spider-Man Fans Are Heading Back to the Spider -Verse
When Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse burst onto screens in 2018, it broke the limitations upon animated storytelling and gained numerous heartfelt fans across the globe.
After its huge success fans have been eagerly anticipating its sequel.
Now, two years later Sony and Marvel Entertainment have finally graced eager fans with, a teaser trailer.
Dubbed Spider-man: Across the Spider-verse (Part One), this new sequel will see Miles Morales team up with a new group of Spider People to defeat the most powerful villain yet.
Check out the teaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbXJ3_AQE_o
Spider-man: Across the Spider-verse (Part One) is scheduled for release on 7, October 2022.