Annecy International Film Festival: Two Winners, Four Paired Finalists To Represent Nigeria

A pair of winners and four paired finalists have been selected to represent Nigeria in the 2021 edition of the Annecy International Film Festival (AIFF).

Pulse reports that the pair of Mbuotidem Johnson and Ukpeme Uwakwe were the selected winners, while Egbelughe Philip and Stanley Ohikhuare, Oyikan Odunlami and Temidayo Odunlami, Brian Wilson and Eseme Joseph, Oluwayomi Oluwasegun Samson and Omotunde Akiode were chosen among the finalists with the best creative animated projects in Nigeria to pitch their work as part of Nigerian focus during the 2021 AIFF.

The AIFF is the world's top reference for animated movies and it organizes a gathering of over 13,000 industry professionals from around the world every year in the city of Annecy in the French Alps.

The individuals to represent Nigeria at the 2021 Annecy International Film Festival

The focus on supporting Nigerian creatives is tied to the growing impact of the animation sector in the job market and in the Nigerian economy.

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In partnership with Animation Nigeria, the French Embassy in Nigeria organized a pitching workshop in a competitive format for seven selected Nigerian animation studios.

The participants were given the chance to win an all-expense flight and accommodation trip to participate in the international festival while the other finalist would have the opportunity to pitch their project at the international event as part of a focus on Nigeria.

The Annecy International Animated Film Festival

Geraldine Bache who is in charge of MIFA Pitches said, "For several years now, we have been closely following what is happening in animation on the African continent and had noticed the energy that was particularly evident in Nigeria.

"The workshop co-constructed with local players confirms the presence of talented and promising directors in the territory, but also the need to accompany them in a demanding and competitive sector so that their projects are strong enough to face the market.

"We therefore bring them to question themselves so that they can find aesthetic and narrative solutions themselves and come out of this experience stronger."

Damilola Solesi, Animation Nigeria, stated, "Animation Nigeria as an association of skilled professionals is grateful for the beneficial partnership with the French government in enabling the growth of the local animation industry and the opportunities the partnership has created for its members.

"In the past, this partnership has granted us a platform to showcase our work globally and has been greatly instrumental in placing Nigerian animation on the world map.

"Also, it has trained talents in crucial skills while stimulating greater connectedness among the players in the industry. Through its various initiatives, it has helped to drive a more positive narrative about the Nigerian animation space, and the world has noticed.

"All this progress has led to this point where at Annecy, there would be a focus on Nigeria and our member studios granted a chance to once again, showcase their work on a global platform.

"This development holds significant potential to further drive attention to this nascent industry. They say it takes a village to raise a child. You have been a major part of our village and for this, we are truly grateful."