Comic Con Cape Town 2024 is all set to dazzle animation fans and professionals alike with an impressive array of talents this coming weekend.
Top animators on the cards at Comic Con Cape Town 2024
The event, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, promises a unique blend of artistic showcases and professional insights directly from the animation industry’s front lines.
A highlight of this year’s Comic Con is the appearance of Troy Quane, the acclaimed director behind the 2024 Academy Award-nominated feature, Nimona.
Quane will take attendees on an exclusive journey through the creative process of this popular film, which is based on ND Stevenson’s beloved graphic novel.
His extensive career in the animation industry includes directing hits like Spies in Disguise and working on classics such as Enchanted and The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol.
Adding to the international flavour, Menna Hamdy from Egypt will share her experiences in the burgeoning African animation scene.
As an Assistant Director and Art Director, Hamdy has been pivotal in shaping the action-packed sci-fi anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.
She will discuss her multiple roles in this project, which showcases ten futuristic visions of Africa by a new generation of directors.
The festival will also feature behind-the-scenes insights from the animated film Boy Kills World. Industry veterans Esther Pearl and Clyde Beech will reveal how they crafted the animated titles for this much-anticipated movie.
Pearl, whose resume includes a significant tenure at Pixar, and Beech, known for his work on Supa Strika comics, will share their collaborative journey involving a diverse team of South African and American artists.
What to expect at this year’s Cape Town International Animation Festival
The Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF), part of the Comic Con lineup, offers a rare opportunity for South African animators and digital creators to gain insider knowledge of the animation industry.
The festival will host a roster of top international speakers, providing an unparalleled platform for learning and networking.
“We are beyond excited to be hosting such incredible talent in Cape Town this year. I think it’s an indication of the interest that the animation industry has in South Africa as an emerging animation hub and a rich source of raw talent and ideas. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local animators to get a first-hand look at the industry and gain fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into global animation creation,” CTIAF show director, Dianne Makings said in a statement.
The two-day professional programme, priced at R 850, not only grants access to all Comic Con festivities but also to a comprehensive suite of presentations and panels designed to inspire and educate attendees.
