The second edition of the Anansekrom Toon Festival, Africa’s premier International Cartoon Festival, concluded on December 26, 2024 (Boxing Day), leaving an indelible mark on the vibrant city of Accra. This year’s festival saw an outstanding gathering of artists, enthusiasts, and visitors from across the continent and beyond, celebrating creativity and talent in grand style.
Powering the Festival
Parables Animation Studios (PAS), renowned for producing Ghana’s first-ever animated feature film, the animation streaming platform KOLIKO+, and Africa’s first environmental superhero animated series, proudly powered the 2nd edition of the ANANSEKROM TOON FESTIVAL (ATF 2024). Initially launched last year as Ghana’s first cartoon festival, the event commemorated the tenth anniversary of PAS’ acclaimed “Time with Ananse Live On Stage” theatrical shows at the Silverbird cinemas. Now widely known as Africa’s International Cartoon Festival, the festival showcases the brilliant works of inspiring African artists.
Celebrating Folklore and Creativity
The two-day ANANSEKROM TOON FESTIVAL (ATF) celebrates Ananse projects and African folklore, utilizing both traditional and modern communication methods. The festival featured a rich lineup of activities, including art and craft exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, live folkloric music, poetry and storytelling, animation screenings, puppetry, sip and paint sessions, live caricature drawing, and a caveman experience.
The festival commenced with an opening ceremony at the National Children & Mobile Library in the Airport residential area. Mr. Edward Addo-Yobo, the Regional Director of the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) for Greater Accra, Cycil Jones Abban, the Director of the Anansekrom Toon Festival, and V.T. Albert Tetteh Amafu, the Manager, alongside other dignitaries and media friends, officially launched the event.
Tour of Creativity
Following the opening ceremony, dignitaries toured the event grounds, led by V.T. Albert Tetteh. The attendees were impressed by the exceptional creativity and versatility of cartoon artists from various African countries, including Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Benin, and Cameroon.
Engaging Discussions and Activities
One of the festival’s highlights was the “Panel of Legends” session, a thought-provoking discussion featuring Pierre Anani Accoh (cartoonist & illustrator, Togo), Tunji Anjorin (President of Panaramic Comics, Nigeria), Mr. Edward Addo-Yobo (Regional Director, GhLA), Baah A. Solomon (Socio-political artist, Ghana), Dr. Wale Okediran (Secretary General of Pan-African Writers Association), and others who joined via Zoom. Under the theme “UNITING AFRICA THROUGH ART,” they shared insights on the past, present, and future of Ghana and Africa’s animation and creative industry. The discussion, facilitated by V.T. Albert Tetteh, ended with a lively Q&A session.
The festival also offered various activities, including “Color on My Wall,” Sip and Paint, Art/Craft and Animation workshops, screenings, the Caveman Experience, “Lend Your Voice To Animation” contests, art and cartoon exhibitions, and traditional games.
Animation workshops, led by Parables’ Martin Dzakobo (Senior Animator), Caris Tachie-Menson (Animator/illustrator), and Dawud Abdul Mumin (3D Character Designer), provided attendees with a firsthand experience of Stop-Motion Animation. These sessions were well-attended, and many parents registered their children for future workshops.
Special Screenings and Awards
A special Student Animation Screening session highlighted works by student film producers from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the National Film and Television Institute/University of Media, Arts and Communication. This inspiring session received praise from parents and stakeholders, encouraging them to continue exposing their children to valuable content produced in Ghana and Africa.
The festival concluded with memorable nighttime performances of live folkloric music and poetry, fireside storytelling, drama, and a dazzling display of puppetry and musical narratives in “Time with Ananse Live On Stage.” The top three winners of the day’s contests and workshops received prizes from Indomie Ghana and other partners, presented by Hiram Geraldo (Marketing Executive – Indomie Ghana). Major animated feature film screenings and discussions were also part of the festivities.
An Unforgettable Experience
The unique nature of the Anansekrom Toon Festival amazed all who attended, offering something special for people of all ages. The festival was a resounding success, promising an even greater experience next year. Africa, get ready!
ATF 2024 was proudly powered by Parables Animation Studios (@Parables_Gh) in partnership with the Ghana Library Authority, sponsored mainly by Indomie Ghana, and supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana. It was officially endorsed by the Ghana Tourism Authority’s “Beyond The Return” initiative.
MEDIA PARTNERS: ATV Ghana, Ameyaw Debrah, TV Africa, GTV, OnlineTimes GH, Graphic Communication Group, GhanaWeb, World News Update, Junior Graphic…
Anansekrom Toon Festival: Africa’s International Cartoon Festival. @AnansekromToonFestival on all socials, X (formerly Twitter): @AnanseToonFest anansekromtoonfestival@gmail.com +233265068758
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ATF 2024 is proudly powered by Parables Animation Studios (@Parables_Gh) in partnership with the GHANA LIBRARY AUTHORITY, sponsored mainly by INDOMIE GHANA and with the support of the EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND IN GHANA. Officially endorsed by the GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY “Beyond The Return” Initiative.
MEDIA PARTNERS: ATV Ghana, Ameyaw Debrah, TV Africa, GTV, OnlineTimes GH, Graphic Communication Group, GhanaWeb, World News Update, Junior Graphic
