Ghanaian delegation shines at the Annecy International Film Festival, France.

Following a call for projects in February 2024, 10 talented Ghanaian animation professionals were selected to attend the Annecy International Film Festival in France from June 9–16, 2024. This delegation represented a diverse group of industry veterans from eight prominent Ghanaian studios, as well as two emerging student talents, highlighting the rich and varied landscape of Ghana's animation sector.

Ahead of the festival, the delegation partook in an intensive pitching workshop led by industry experts Jessica Hagan and Delphine Nicolini. The training, which included group and individual sessions, covered fundamental areas such as the art of persuasion. The workshop provided personalized guidance, allowing each participant to refine their pitches and enhance their presentation skills. This program sought to equip them with the relevant skills for pitching their projects to various audiences, ranging from producers to investors and potential collaborators.

The selection process for this delegation was rigorous, with projects being meticulously evaluated by industry professionals, including Delphine Nicolini and Delphine Shooter. Their expertise ensured that only the most promising projects were chosen to represent Ghana at this prestigious event.

While at Annecy, the participants had the privilege of exhibiting their projects at the vibrant and expanded 18m² "Animation Ghana" stand at the MIFA market, doubling the size from last year. This larger presence underscored the country’s growing influence in the global animation industry and provided an invaluable opportunity to network and interact with over 1,000 exhibiting companies, 100+ countries, and 17,000+ attendees. Beyond showcasing their work, the delegation aimed to establish strategic partnerships and collaborations, further integrating Ghanaian animation into the industry.

Highlights from the delegation’s participation include the screening of Peter Oti Asamoah’s Last Night, officially selected under the Perspectives category of the Annecy 2024 Film Competition. Additionally, Karen-Happuch P. Henneh of KHPH Studios shared insights on crowdfunding during the festival’s market and Kickstarter session, further contributing to Ghana’s growing reputation in the animation world.

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Meet the delegation here!

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