Solesi to bring more women into animation

She Animates Africa, an initiative that aims to promote greater representation and participation of women in the animation industry, is set to launch in Lagos.

The move was announced by Dami Solesi, creative director, CEO and founder of Lagos-based Smids Animation Studio. She took to Instagram to say: “Throughout my animation career, there have always been very few women in animation. We are looking to change that.

“Late last year we decided to take this to the road and train more women and girls in animation.”

Solesi’s credits include toons Onyà, Abi’s Mission and Makerbolts.

The initiative will promote and uplift female animators in Africa, provide ongoing support and resources to them and help them succeed in the industry. There will be training, internship, mentorship, networking opportunities and regular events to showcase the work of female animators.

“Our mission is to see 50% of women fully represented in the animation industry by providing adequate knowledge and access to opportunities,” added the exec, who was a juror for the International Emmy Awards in 2020.

“This is not just for animators but also for anyone interested in animation, storytelling and visual arts. We believe that by providing ongoing support and access to resources, we can help to increase the representation and participation of women in the animation industry.”

The initiative will kick-start with a masterclass session titled Unlocking the African Animation Industry Through Greater Participation of Women, in which Solesi and Esther Gbadamosi, founder of Radioxity Media, will highlight Africa’s most talented female animators and elaborate on how more women can be involved in the animation industry.

She Animates Africa will be held at NXT Workshop, Landmark, Victoria Island, Lagos from 1.45pm to 2.55pm on February 10.