Triggerfish, Africa’s leading animation studio, has partnered with UNESCO to launch The Creator Labs. This historic collaboration seeks to address gender disparities and foster inclusivity within the rapidly growing world of animation on the continent. With the African film and audiovisual industries contributing an estimated $5 billion (KSh. 646.2 billion) to the continent’s GDP and employing over 5 million people, this partnership aims to empower underrepresented voices, particularly women of color, in a sector where they are still vastly underrepresented.
The statistics from UNESCO’s report on the African film sector underline a significant gap in education and training, particularly for women. The new partnership between Triggerfish and UNESCO is a response to these existing challenges. “UNESCO’s publication on the African film sector highlighted a major gap in education and training across the continent – and it disproportionately affects women,” says Ernesto Ottone R, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture. “Through technical and vocational education in animation production, we’ll contribute to enhancing career opportunities in TV and filmmaking among women,” he adds, emphasizing the need for greater access to resources and education for women in the animation industry.
The Creator Labs, as this initiative is named, is an ambitious program designed to provide comprehensive capacity-building for women in animation across Africa. “Empowering African women in animation is not just a goal; it’s a necessity,” says 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.”
The program is open to talent from across Africa and features two specialized tracks: the Director Lab for aspiring directors and the Animation Art Lab for artists. These labs will provide participants with access to masterclass sessions led by award-winning industry professionals, small group mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities designed to empower talent in their journey to leadership roles within the animation sector. Training materials developed through these labs will be made freely accessible online via the Triggerfish Academy, allowing aspiring African creatives from anywhere on the continent to benefit from these valuable resources.
Key contributors to The Creator Labs include celebrated African animators and industry professionals such as Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, Caroline Vos (Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Disney+), Cinzia Angelini (Hit Pig!, Mila), Nadia Darries (Star Wars Visions Vol. 2, Lucasfilm), and many others. Their guidance ensures that the sessions are impactful and enriching, delivering crucial insights and practical skills to participants. These sessions are designed not only to advance the technical skills of participants but also to foster a deeper understanding of storytelling, leadership, and the broader cultural context within the animation industry.
The partnership between Triggerfish and UNESCO builds on 28 years of experience in the animation industry, coupled with UNESCO’s commitment to promoting gender equality and cultural diversity. Together, they aim to create a more inclusive and vibrant animation sector that reflects the diverse voices and stories of the African continent. This collaboration is particularly crucial given the dynamic growth of the African film industry, which is increasingly becoming a significant player on the global stage. By empowering more women to take on leadership roles, The Creator Labs represents a vital step towards a more equitable and representative animation industry.
Through initiatives like The Creator Labs, Triggerfish and UNESCO are paving the way for a new generation of female animators in Africa, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in a sector historically dominated by men. As Africa’s animation industry continues to grow, these efforts will be instrumental in shaping a more diverse and inclusive future, where women are not just participants but leaders in storytelling, creativity, and innovation. This partnership is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that targeted, inclusive initiatives can have on industries and communities across the continent.
