Four emerging South African animators are embarking on a groundbreaking journey in animation training. GOBELINS Paris, the world-renowned animation school, has teamed up with Wits University’s Mollo Academy to launch the “Train the Trainers” programme, aimed at addressing gaps in South Africa’s animation training pipeline. This programme equips local talent with cutting-edge skills and pedagogy essential for developing the next generation of animators in South Africa.
The programme involves two phases. The four participants – Ayanda Gigaba, Anré van Rooyen, Lola Aikins, and Deon Lodewick – completed the first part of their training in Paris, where they attended a week-long workshop followed by shadow teaching sessions during GOBELINS’ Summer School. Immersing themselves in the school’s creative ecosystem, they learned not only animation techniques but also effective methods to teach and inspire future animators.
Their creative journey continued at Mollo Academy in Johannesburg, where they applied their expertise in helping design and launch South Africa’s first animation summer school, set to open in October 2024. The program, funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, with support from the French Institute of South Africa and the National Film and Video Foundation, is a crucial collaboration for scaling the South African animation industry.
With mentorship from top industry professionals and academic leaders from both GOBELINS and Mollo, the four young trainers are well on their way to becoming influential figures in the South African and international animation landscape.
