Triggerfish, Africa’s premier animation studio, has partnered with UNESCO to launch The Creator Labs, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing women in the African animation industry. This collaboration seeks to address gender disparities and foster inclusivity in a sector contributing over $5 billion to Africa’s GDP and employing more than 5 million people. Despite this growth, women, especially those of color, remain underrepresented in leadership roles within animation.
This initiative is designed to fill gaps in education and training, which disproportionately affect women in the African film and audiovisual industries. “UNESCO’s report on the African film sector highlighted a significant need for capacity-building. This partnership is a vital step toward addressing that gap,” said Ernesto Ottone R, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture. The program emphasizes technical and vocational education to enhance career opportunities for women in animation.
Carina Lücke, Director of the Triggerfish Foundation, reinforced the importance of the project: “Empowering African women in animation isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about innovation. By prioritizing leadership roles, we’re fostering creativity and breaking barriers for a more diverse industry.”
The Creator Labs will offer two specialized tracks: a Director Lab for aspiring directors and an Animation Art Lab for artists. Participants will benefit from masterclasses led by award-winning professionals, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to support their journey into leadership roles. Contributors to the Labs include industry pioneers such as Ng’endo Mukii, Tshepo Moche, Nadia Darries, and Cinzia Angelini.
In addition to hands-on training, the Labs will produce freely accessible online resources through the Triggerfish Academy, ensuring that creatives across Africa can benefit from the program. The collaboration builds on Triggerfish’s nearly three decades of animation expertise and UNESCO’s commitment to gender equality and cultural diversity.
Applications for The Creator Labs open on December 9, 2024, and close on January 5, 2025. Online sessions will run from March through May 2025. For more details, visit Triggerfish Academy.
This transformative partnership between Triggerfish and UNESCO aims to create a vibrant and inclusive animation sector, amplifying the diverse voices and stories of the African continent.
