ADMI and USIU (United States International University) teamed up with ADA Animation, a Nairobi-based animation studio, to put on a three-month animation bootcamp for 15 young Kenyan animators.
The Ada Animation bootcamp offers young animators a platform for training, mentorship and exposure to corporate engagement and opportunities. We aim to collaborate in grooming and growing African talent in preparation for the massive wave the Animation industry has continued to open up over the years.
The concept behind the animation bootcamp is a three month virtual boot camp, to bridge the skill gap of creatives, around the animation field in Kenya and across Africa. The 15 young animators were mentored by ADA Animation staff and international mentors Dean Lyon (who has worked on movies such as Armageddon and The Lord Of the Rings) and Janet Yarrow (professor at Housatonic Community College), as they produced three 30-second public service announcements. At the beginning of December they hosted a graduation ceremony with all the animators involved, at which they presented their projects, and one ADMI student, Abdihafid Gihad, was handed the ;’Most Resilient’ award, earning himself a paid internship with the animation studio.
We look forward to continuing this partnership to equip young animators and grow the animation industry in Africa. As a Foundation we endeavour to provide learning and working opportunities to ADMI students, alumni, and young digital media professionals, and in 2021 we aim to host many more incubators and bootcamps, either alone or through innovative partnerships such as this. If you’re interested in incubators and bootcamps to cultivate and promote young talent in Africa, contact us, partnerships@africadigitalmedia.org.