African Animation for Adults

Fri 31 Oct at 5.45pm

1h29m | DVD | Various languages with English subtitles | 15

This programme of short African animations for adult viewing deals with a variety of subjects such as taboos and political or social issues. The films are a celebration of local myth, narrative and aesthetic, not always somber in their delivery but also humorous and playful. Perhaps these animations require the maturity of an adult audience to truly appreciate the films within their specific contextual framing.

Highlights from the line-up include:

Bon Voyage Sim

Animated/ Written by: Moustapha Alassane, Niger

Moustapha Alassane from Niger is cited as the father of Sub-Saharan animation. This animation made in 1966 is a charming narrative of the politicianfrog Sim who travels to neighboring countries in the midst of all the pomp and ceremony surrounding a presidential trip. A humoristic take on African politics post-independence, this animation is a key film within the history of the animated form on the continent.

Jozi Zoo

Animated by: Mike Scott, South Africa, Written by: John Vlismas

John Vlismas is one of South Africa's most prolific comedians and his animated zoo takes a tongue in cheek look at the inhabitants of Johannesburg. An aesthetic reminiscent of previous comic strips such as "Boogie and Bru", artist Mike Scott uses limited line animation to bring to life the voices of John Vlismas. This animation is a reflection on contemporary South African identities and draws from archetypal characters that on some levels transcend South Africa, such as the wheeler-dealer Meercat, the camp Lion, and the stoner Bush-baby.

Kinshasa, Septembre Noir

Animated/ Written by: J.M Kibushi, DRC

Stemming from Sankuru in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jean Michel Kibushi's work is a testament to his culture and the specific political history within which his work resides. Kinshasa, Septembre Noir is an animated documentary that consists of a collection of chalk drawings by children from Kinshasa who witnessed the military pillaging and chaos that hit their community in September, 1991. These drawings, with others by the artist himself, were interspersed using limited animated techniques, recounting the events that unfolded during that time. Its measured sparseness gives this animation a strong visual and emotional impact, testament to the children's experiences.

The XYZ show

Animated by: Alfred Muchilwa, Godfrey Mwampembwa, Kenya, Written by: Godfrey Mwampembwa (Gado)

Kenya has had a strong history of political cartooning, one of the key players being Godfrey Mwampembwa, otherwise known as Gado. Here Gado uses a combination of animation and puppetry to create a Kenyan equivalent of "Spitting Image". In the form of a political talk show, this pilot for a projected television series gives the viewer a taste of Kenyan humour with its caricatures of Kenyan politicians and satirical portrayal of local political issues.

Paula Callus, senior lecturer at the National Centre of Computer Animation (NCCA) at Bournemouth University and an expert in African animation, will be in attendance to host a discussion with the audience after the screenings. Paula kindly programmed the animation screenings and provided synopses for the films.