by FilmInk Staff

Experience the Future of African Animation with Special International Guest

Audiences are invited to journey into the world of Afrofutures animation at the Africa Film Fest Australia. On Saturday, July 20, Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) in Parramatta will host an exclusive screening and Q&A session featuring special international guest Searit Huluf from Pixar’s SparkShorts program.

The event will highlight three standout short films:

  • Self (2024) – Directed by Searit Huluf, this poignant story follows a wooden puppet’s journey of self-acceptance amidst metallic figures.
  • Afro Algorithms (2022) – A thought-provoking exploration of identity and technology in an Afrocentric future.
  • Robo Ramen (2022) – A futuristic tale of a dishwashing robot who dreams of becoming a top chef.

Following the screenings, the audience will have the opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind these works in a Q&A session. ACE Screen Cultures Associate Producer Chidiebube Uba will facilitate the discussion, joined by Nigerian-Australian animator and games art director Edi Udo, Jamaican-Australian a compositing, lighting + video artist Rubeena King and the distinguished Searit Hulu. Hulu will share insights and experiences from working with Pixar’s SparkShorts program, providing a rare opportunity to hear from a leading animator in the field.

This event is a highlight of the inaugural Africa Film Fest Australia, a three-day festival from July 19-21, 2024, celebrating the richness and diversity of African cinema. Organised by Arts & Cultural Exchange and a dedicated team of Afro Australian curators, the festival is supported by Riverside Theatres, Screen NSW, City of Parramatta, Multicultural NSW, WeirAnderson Films, Animal Logic, and UTS Animal Logic Academy.

“We have curated a selection of films that reflect the bold and imaginative vision of African animators,” said Festival Co-Director Safia Amadou. “Our Afrofutures line-up is a blast of innovative stories told in animation.”

Admission to the Afrofutures Animation screening is free, but bookings are essential. Register at https://aceinc.org.au/whats-on/afrofutures-animation-in-western-sydney/

For more information about the Africa Film Fest Australia and to view the full program, please visit the website www.africafilmfest.au. Join in for an unforgettable celebration of African animation and culture.

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