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The African Animation Network (AAN) has partnered with 6 national African Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) associations. These include; Lagos Comic Convention, Animation South Africa, Association Burkinabé du Cinéma d’Animation, Association Ivoirienne du Film d’ Animation, Association of Comic Makers of Nigeria and Animation Nigeria.

“True to the AAN mandate, we’re providing an open network platform for African national AVGC associations to market themselves at Africa’s premiere content markets – DISCOP Abidjan & Johannesburg. We’re excited to explore the diversity of the African animation industry with the possibility of creating co-production and collaboration opportunities across borders and regions whilst simultaneously building capacity within the sector,” Said, Nick Wilson, Project Manager of AAN.

DISCOP Abidjan runs May 30 to June 1.

Meet the new partners:

Held annually since its inception in 2012, Lagos Comic Con (LCC) is a non-profit platform for the exchange of ideas and business opportunities in a sector that is dominantly youthful and urban. It is an event that brings together stakeholders in the comics, animation, gaming and film industry in Nigeria. LLC has experienced a 1,000% increase in participation from 2012 to 2016 where more than 3,000 attendees, 46 exhibitors, 11 speakers, and 7 films premiered.

“LCC is proud to be a partner of AAN at DISCOP Abidjan. The participation of LCC at DISCOP Abidjan is what we hope to be the start of more partnerships across the African continent within this sector,” said Ayodele Elegba, Founder of Lagos Comic Con.

Essentially a comic con is a “trade fair” for a community of creative people who seek to express themselves in ways or cultures alienated by ‘‘educated’’ Africa. The role of the Lagos Comic Con since its inception in 2012 has been to celebrate successes of practitioners in the Creative Industry sector, encourage broader participation and support the building of knowledge and capacity necessary to strengthen the sector and ultimately create jobs. This has involved working with industry experts, creative professionals, policy makers and stakeholders to facilitate wider understanding and awareness of the issues and opportunities available. The event features a central stage for exhibition/Sales, keynotes and panels, multiple rooms for workshops, master classes and presentations, and an area dedicated to co-working, networking and interactive installations. Also there are lots of competitions and movie screenings.

Animation South Africa (ASA) is a non-profit organisation mandated by industry to develop, promote and represent South African animation. Founded in 2006 by a group of like-minded animation professionals who came together to create a culture of knowledge-sharing in South African animation, ASA’s vision is to nurture a vibrant, sustainable and transformed Animation and VFX industry for South Africa.

“ASA is proud to continue its partnership with AAN (formerly The Animation Lounge) in an effort to create new opportunities for our content creators and animation professionals. The value of the Turner Kids’ Animation Pitching Competition in 2016 was tangible and so we look forward to working with AAN at Discop Abidjan 2017,” said Nick Cloete, Chairperson of ASA.

Association Burkinabé du Cinéma d’Animation (ABCA) is an apolitical, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote animated cinema and contribute to genuine development of the cultural and creative sector in Burkina Faso. ACBA brings together professionals from the Cinema, Audiovisual, Visual Arts, Communication and Computer Graphics industries.

“It is a matter of great pride and joy for ABCA to collaborate with AAN at Discop Abidjan 2017. We are convinced that this collaboration will boost Burkina animation and contribute strongly to better visibility and knowledge of our animators,” added Wilfrid J. de Dieu PARE, General Coordinator of ABCA.

Association Ivoirienne du Film d’ Animation (AIFA) is an ambitious young association which was formed in 2014. The founders considered it necessary to formalise as an industry with the intention of generating growth. Born of the initiative of professionals and sympathizers of animation, AIFA has the objective of promoting animation in Côte d’Ivoire and Africa. The scope of AIFA, which for the moment is limited to the city of Abidjan, will expand to reach the rest of Côte d’Ivoire and Africa.

“The AAN Conference at DISCOP Abidjan this year is a phenomenal opportunity for the African animation industry. AIFA is very pleased to be at this audiovisual market in partnership with AAN,” said Abel Kouame, AIFA Président.

Association of Comic Makers of Nigeria (ACMON) was founded in 2013 as a professional organization of industry practitioners in the field of comics in Nigeria. The association has grown in influence over the years as the umbrella body which has the interests of its members at its core whilst providing guidance, content and avenues for professional growth. It began with just 26 members but today has grown in membership to 2,600 across Nigeria. It is estimated that up to 80% of the growth experienced in the Nigerian comic industry is connected to the activities of ACMON since its inception.

“As an association in Nigeria whose presence for the past half decade has helped evolve the Nigerian Comic Industry and bring Nigeria to the forefront of comic making in the world, we are proud to be given this opportunity to share the Nigerian model and hopefully help other African countries to develop their comic industry as well,” added Raymond Anyasi, National Secretary of ACMON.

Animation Nigeria (ANG) started in 2017 as an initiative with the aim of continuously enriching the Nigerian animation industry by setting global standards, co-creating, and being a catalyst for constant growth through promotion and visibility both locally and internationally. The studios, professionals and individuals involved in the initiative collectively benefit from the pool of resources and dissemination of information. Starting from the commercial hub of Nigeria; Lagos, the initiative has plans of being actively established in the 6 geopolitical zones of the country to cater for its vast population and the potential of the industry.

“Over the years, individuals and small collectives have taken tenacious steps in bringing their animation artistry to the forefront of the entertainment and advertising industry. Frankly speaking, there has never been a better time than now for the formation of animation studios in Nigeria, as well as the joint partnership with the AAN,” said Mbuotidem Johanson, Founder of Animation Nigeria.

For information on how to attend, Discop Abidjan.

And to submit a project, click here.