City film-makers head to global animation festival

CAPE TOWN’S Zeropoint Studios is among film-makers en route to the 2018 Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market (Mifa) after being selected for their award-winning short film, Mumue.

The prestigious festival is the leading animation festival in the world with 115 000 submissions, 10 000 accredited delegates, 230 films selected and over 500 film screenings from 89 countries.

Along with the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the South African animation industry will also be represented by Animation South Africa and other organisations including the Department of Trade and Industry, KZN Film Commission, Wesgro and the IDC.

The Annecy festival started in France yesterday and ends on Saturday.

The NFVF, through the markets and festival travel grant, has funded 14 film-makers to be part of the delegation.

Mumue, by Zeropoint Pop the Culture, was written by Wendy Spinks and Clea Mallinson. The animation short tells the story of Mumue, a young African girl trapped by her tribe’s age-old customs and patriarchal ways.

To further develop and finance the short film, Zeropoint signed with Copernicus Studios in Halifax, Canada, last November.

Following a successful pitch at the African Animation Networks (Aan) competition at DISCOP in Johannesburg, where Mumue won the short film category, the animation team was invited to pitch at the invitation-only Animation Du Monde.

Wesgro executive officer Tim Harris said: “The number of attendees from Cape Town and the Western Cape bears testament to the validation of South African animation. We have a plethora of talent in our province and we wish all attending a successful trip to market.”

The objective of the session is to not only highlight the South African animation industry, as one with potential and immense talent, but to also provide the filmmakers with opportunities to attract potential funders and collaborators for their projects.

A noteworthy achievement for an NFVF-funded film, Belly Flop directed by Kelly Dillon, is in the closing night ceremony screenings.

Acting NFVF executive officer Shadrack Bokaba said: “The South African animation industry is growing steadily… The NFVF is committed to reducing the barriers to entry in this specialised industry, to ensure that is accessible and transformed. I hope the trip to Annecy is fruitful.”