In 2023, African animation achieved a significant breakthrough, setting the stage for an even more promising future starting in 2024. The Afrimation industry is projected to reach a staggering worth of $18 billion between 2024 and 2032. Despite this growth, the misconception that animation films are a recent development in Africa still lingers.
To challenge this perception, we present a compilation of ten groundbreaking African animation films. These films either pioneered animation techniques, introduced a unique style, or best exemplify the innovative spirit of African filmmakers. It’s a curated selection of films from Africa, created by Africans, excluding works by non-African white filmmakers, such as The Parables of Mbokolo from 1950s Congo and the 1916 An Artist’s Dream by American Harold Shaw, the first-ever animation film on the continent.
- Mafish Fayda (Egypt, 1936)
Mafish Fayda, crafted by the Palestinian Frenkel brothers (David, Shlomon, and Hershel) in Egypt, marked their successful return after a critical debut. The film introduced Mish-Mash Efendi, the first Arab and African cartoon star, drawing comparisons to Disney’s Mickey Mouse. In this 9-minute gem directed by David, Mish-Mash, adorned in a fez, engages in comedic escapades to win his love interest’s heart, becoming an Egyptian national treasure.
- The White Line (Egypt, 1962)
Following the Frenkel brothers’ departure to France, the Muhib brothers (Ali and Hussam Muhib) revived Egyptian animation with their groundbreaking film, The White Line. Directed by Ali, this 25-minute masterpiece seamlessly blends animation and live-action, employing a pioneering split-screen technique. It symbolized the resurgence of the Egyptian animation industry after the Frenkel brothers’ relocation.
- The Tree Festival (Algeria, 1963)
Algeria’s first animated film, The Tree Festival, emerged in 1963 under the guidance of Mohamed Aram, an assistant set designer at the national broadcasting company. Aram self-taught animation techniques, created his equipment, and produced this black-and-white educational film advocating reforestation post-war. It marked the beginning of Aram’s prolific career in animation.
- Bon Voyage, Sim (Niger, 1966)
Moustapha Alassane, hailed as the father of African animation cinema in Niger, employed inventive zero-budget DIY methods for his stop-motion animation. Following his award-winning The Death of Gandhi, Alassane released the delightful Bon Voyage, Sim in 1966. This 5-minute black-and-white 2D short satirizes government and diplomacy, featuring Monsieur Sim, the president of the Republic of Frogs.
- Le Martien (Senegal, 1969)
Although created in France, The Martian stands as one of Senegal’s earliest animated films. Sculptor Ousmane Sow, based in France, used a frame-by-frame technique featuring his sculptors to depict the story of a Martian on Earth.
- Sow and You Will Reap (Mauritius, 1986)
Veerasamy Galen Parianen, originally a live-action cameraman, made history with his Mauritanian debut, Sow and You Will Reap. Using plasticine clay, simple storytelling, and a focus on preparedness for the future, this 6-minute film established Parianen as a significant figure in Mauritanian animation.
- The Frog Who Visits His In-laws (Congo, 1990)
Congolese animation filmmaker Jean-Michel Ndjaie Wooto Kibushi reimagines a Tetela folktale in his 8-minute debut. Using stop-motion with paper cut-outs and puppets, Kibushi creates the first “truly” Congolese animated film, Le crapaud chez ses beaux parents, a socially-conscious piece.
- The Woman with Three Husbands (Burkina Faso, 1993)
Co-directed by Cilia Sawadogo and Dianèle Roy, this six-minute hand-drawn animation from 1993 showcases fluid ropey animations and lush colors. Based on Congolese folklore, it tells the story of Princess Fatou, who tests her suitors to choose one, revealing an exciting talent in Afrimation.
- A Terracotta Dream (Egypt, 1997)
Zaineb Zamzam, a key figure in Egyptian animation, pioneered claymation on the continent. Her debut, A Terracotta Dream (1997), blends real photographs with plasticine clay, exploring Islamic history and religious values. This Afro-Mediterranean classic highlights Zamzam’s unique animation approach.
- The Legend of the Sky Kingdom (Zimbabwe, 2003)
The Legend of the Sky Kingdom stands as Africa’s first full-length animation feature, breaking ground in 2003. Co-producer Phil Cunningham’s screenplay, adapted from his children’s book, unfolds the tale of three kids escaping enslavement in the Evil Emperor’s Underground City. Due to financial constraints, the film pioneers “junkmation,” using found objects for 3D stop-motion.
