This past weekend saw some of the most talented African animation creators present their work both live and through video presentations at ICON CGC. These pitches were part of The Animation du Monde preliminary round that was one of 3 international competitions taking place at ICON CGC this year.

Animation again played a big role at ICON CGC 2019, the event’s 27th edition. This could be seen in almost every facet of the event, from cosplayers dressed as their favourite characters, to some of the entertainment, and panel discussions. This was the backdrop wherein the first of five Pan-African preliminary rounds for Animation du Monde 2020 kicked off.

In the end the 3 projects chosen were; Pixel’s Plan by Cate Wood Hunter (South Africa), Into the Odd by Moshood Shades Ridwan (Nigeria), and Flying Low by Sean Steinberg & Sean Braam (South Africa).

African storytelling through animation is gaining confidence and whilst these projects are unique and very different, they have an authentic African voice.

The event also included the regional final for the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) competition which saw two teams being selected to represent South Africa (and by extension Africa) at WCS held in Nagoya, Japan in both 2019 and 2020.

Over 4000 people interacted with multiple aspects of ICON CGC over the Easter long weekend, which took place at Emperors Palace. People from various backgrounds and ages shared their love for pop culture through the various events that took place.

These included panel discussions around the business aspects of the pop culture phenomenon, as well as a full and frank unpacking of the challenges that the South African and African industry’s built around this genre face.

The call for the second prelim of the Pan-African Animation du Monde taking place at DISCOP Abidjan is currently open.

Francophone Africa has in the past proven it has what it takes to compete internationally.  Ingrid Agbo, a DISCOP Abidjan 2017 semi-finalist, would later go on to win a historic pre-sale at MIFA Pitches 2018 via the Continental Final at DISCOP Johannesburg 2017.

Contestants have until the 17th of May to submit their project and can do so by clicking HERE.  Video pitches will be accepted for those not able to attend the preliminary regional round at DISCOP Abidjan however, candidates who are able to attend the event will be given preference.  The competition regulations can be viewed HERE.

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In 2018 the African Animation Network (AAN), through its partnership with DISCOP Markets, partnered with Africa’s longest running pop culture events, ICON CGC (South Africa), NAICCON(Kenya), and Lagos Comic Con (Nigeria) to create DISCOMICS.

This open network platform’s goal is to create opportunities through which these events can work together to grow and increase opportunities for Africans who create pop culture content. These events, over the past 2 years, have hosted some of the preliminary rounds for the Pan-African animation pitching competitionAnimation du Monde.

As a Pan-African custodian of the Animation du Monde pitching competition brand, AAN, through a partnership with Annecy Int. Animated Film Fest’ & Market/MIFA, is always looking for opportunities that will empower creatives, and to showcase African talent.

The winners of this year’s preliminary rounds will go through to the Continental Final held at DISCOP Johannesburg in late November, where they will be mentored by some of the best in the business.

These kinds of competitions provide contenders with access to compete on a global stage at the highest level– opportunities that were not available several years ago.

It makes it possible for Africa to change the script the world has of it. It also means that new audiences are able to appreciate what the continent has to offer. WCS and Animation du Monde are opening doors for creators that were previously only available outside the continent.

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About the Organizers

African Animation Network

The African Animation Network is a pro-profit, talent-driven social enterprise and open network that endeavors to build a sustainable African animation industry.  The African Animation Network’s primary objective is to empower African animation creators and producers by providing support and advancing social cohesion within the African animation sector.​ (Read more HERE)

ICON Comics & Games Convention

For three days every year, ICON Comic & Games Convention has created a space in Johannesburg where geeks of all ages and interests can gather, shop and play. The signature event on geek calendars each year has a rich and storied history: ICON has long been the home of national championships, of hard fought tabletop and boardgaming warfare, cosplay competitions, and most of all, loads of fun.

After 27 years, ICON CGC is longest running pop culture event in the country, and on the continent, and has led the way with international guests, live panel presentations and the best in cosplay competitions. So if you’re a hardcore geek, or even just a little ‘geek-curious’, come along to ICON CGC – you won’t be disappointed. (Read more HERE)

Annecy Int. Animated Film Festival & Market

Festival International du Film d’Animation d’Annecy was created in 1960 and takes place at the beginning of June in the town of Annecy, France. Initially occurring every two years, the festival became an annual event in 1998. It is one of the four international animated film festivals sponsored by the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation/ASIFA and is arguably the most prestigious animation festival globally. (Read more HERE)

MIFA Pitches

Each year, the MIFA Pitches showcase the best in original animation projects in their first phase of development in four categories: feature films, short films,TV series and specials and Interactive Creations & Transmedia. Open on an international level, the selection reflects young creation on the world scene.