News on 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 – Gaming/ Tech
The 12in12 Challenge
Ever tried to create 12 video game prototypes in one year? Well this duo has. Creative engineer, Cukia and Game Design teacher, Henrike, partnered up and challenged themselves to create 12 prototypes over 12 months; what they call the 12in12 challenge.
The challenge has been pivotal in helping the duo improve their game development skills and has increased their confidence. It has also allowed the two to tuck a few games under their belts, one such game is Nyumbani.
The Unveiling of Nyumbani
After moving into their new home, Henrike and Cukia decided to create a game that explored the process of moving in thus, Nyumbani (Home) was born.
Built using the Unity engine, the game plays off on the idea of a doll house game whilst focusing on the interaction and feel of moving furniture around.
The duo does not currently intend to expand the game or bring it to other platforms. However, they are curious to see what other games might come out of the ongoing 12 in12 Challenge. If any of their ideas have potential we just might get to see them.
Find out more https://gamesindustryafrica.com/2021/06/18/all-day-all-night-talk-home/
Who Is Ng’endo Mukii?
Ng’endo Mukii is a Nairobi-based film director, artist and animator who has created a number of films that address confronting and challenging topics.
She is most famous for her short film Yellow Fever, that explores the meaning of beauty and tackles the use of bleaching products amongst African women. Yellow Fever has also won the Best Animated Short at the Chicago International Film Festival including numerous international awards.
Ng’endo Mukii has helped tackle weightier topics once more as she directed a new short titled, Kitwana’s Journey.
Ng’endo Mukii Latest Film Kitwana’s Journey
Directed and filmed by Nairobi-based artist and animator Ng’endo Mukii, Kitwana’s Journey is short film about a boy named Kitwana, whose normal life is suddenly changed by when he is trafficked and forced into labour in Kenya.
Released in 2019, Kitwana’s Journey is an original film by HAART Kenya inspired by a real story from one of the survivors that HAART supported.
Check out the short film here https://youtu.be/AMVd3RJxwBs
NEWS BEYOND AFRICA – Movies/Entertainment
Kizazi Moto Sets African Creators on Fire
On the morning of Thursday, 17 June, 2021, Disney EMEA Animation Studio announced an upcoming Afro-futuristic animated anthology titled, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.
The anthology will feature 10 films created by talented filmmakers hailing from Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria. Renowned animation studio, Triggerfish will have the role lead studio whilst Oscar-winning Director, Peter Ramsey directs the project which is scheduled to launch on Disney Plus in 2022.
However, Kizazi Moto is not the only African-influenced animation set to feature on Disney.
Disney Picks Up More African Animations
As part of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Disney announced that they will be picking up even more African-created animations. On the list is an animated series titled, Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes.
Created by South African duo Kelly Dillon and Marc Dey, the series follows the story of a 7-year old African girl in love with ballet and martial arts. When she and her best friends put on magical crystal headbands they become superheroes capable of defending their community.
Disney Channel has also ordered the animated series, Kiff. Created and executive produced by South Africans, Lucy Heavens and Nic Smal and co-producer and story editor, Kent Osborne, the series centres around an optimistic squirrel and her best friend bunny, Barry.
Find out more https://headtopics.com/us/new-african-series-kizazi-moto-and-kiff-headline-disney-emea-s-annecy-presentation-20585030