African Animation Network partners with Joburg Film Festival for FUPiTOONS FESTIVAL 2018.



– FUPI: Swahili, adjective; meaning: “SHORT”


FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL 2018 - Poster design by Comfort Arthur

FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL 2018 – Poster design by Comfort Arthur

Africa’s first- Made in Africa for Kidsanimation short film festivalFUPiTOONS FESTiVAL returns in 2018 presented by the African Animation Network (AAN) in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival (JFF).  The second edition of FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL will be screened at Cinema Nouveau Rosebank during JFF and will tour Africa in 2019.  The first edition of FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL (2017) will have toured 9 events across the continent by the end of October 2018.

According to Nick Wilson, Head of Projects & Content at AAN; “The aim of FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL is twofold; firstly, we’re creating a platform for African animation to be celebrated and, secondly, we’re attempting to develop audience for African animated content across the continent.  We have strategically partnered with JFF to screen during their festival to reach a wider cinema going audience and furthermore, with JFF running parallel to DISCOP Markets, we’re targeting key decision makers in African broadcasting.  Thereafter, in 2019, FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL will tour across our partner footprint in Africa owing to the resounding success of the 2018 tour.”

“We’re excited to place a focus on animation at this year’s edition of JFF” continued, Tim Mangwedi, Producer of JFF.  “FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL is a great initiative and we’re looking forward to creating a platform for African animation within the wider narrative of a film festival“.

Joburg Film Festival

Award winning animation director and Festival Director of FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL, Comfort Arthur of Ghana, had the following to say; “Africa is rich in talent and creativity.  Unfortunately, owing to financial constraints, the bulk of African animation is short-form.  Thus, having a platform like FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL is invaluable for animators around the continent, to be celebrated and for their creations to reach audiences.”

FUPiTOONS FESTiVAL is looking for the best African animated short-form content aimed at audiences 2 to 12 years to be part of a 1 hour screening.  Closing date for submissions: 12th October, 2018.