Animation made in South Africa
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The World’s Laura Lynch profiles a young South African woman who’s studying to become one of the new generation of animators in what is hoped will be a successful indigenous animation filmmaking industry. (photos: Laura Lynch)
In the world of animation, Wallace and Gromit are stars.
“I could just fancy some cheese Gromit. What do you say? Don’t forget the crackers.”
But now they have a new role to play – courtesy of Aardman Animations, the company that created them and produces their films. They’re helping to bring the skill and joy of animation here, to a new generation of artists who live in some of the most violent neighborhoods in South Africa.
This is the country’s first public animation academy, just opened on the edge of Khayelitsha township.
“That shouldn’t get you that green like that..almost a lime green…”
Gary Kachelhoffer is the teacher in charge – he spent years working in the white dominated animation industry. He believed there was untapped talent in the townships. Now, with the help of the government and private studios, the academy has 120 students.
“These people would never have these opportunities before hand because art is not regarded as a subject that is necessary for laborers….”
Teacher Gary Kachelhoffer (center) says there's a lot of artistic talent among people in the townships
21 year old Chanelle Mentoor shares a drawing table with other students, creating a palette of bright colors. Mentoor is thrilled to be in this class – drawing, she says, has been her passion since she was a little girl.
“I started out drawing the Spice Girls making posters for my friends – they had this big hair and big shoes….and I always drew the shoes extra big because that’s how you recognize the Spice Girls.”
But childhood dreams of fame and wealth can often fall prey to the harsh realities of life in the township. Hardly a day passes without someone being murdered or assaulted.
At the steel gate outside Chanelle’s home the three family dogs – Jasper, Lucky and Noodle – are standing guard. She lives with her parents in a small but tidy bungalow.
Class assignment: Chanellle was asked to produce an animated storyboard for a public service announcement on child sex abuse
Chanelle says life here isn’t so bad – her mother Debbie stands nearby nodding in agreement. But then Chanelle reels off a list of problems that beset just about every family.
“There’s a lot of drug issues, drugs yeah, and poverty and unemployment teenage pregnancy there’s a lot. I’ve got friends…”
Chanelle: 'If you visualize it every day, you gonna succeed'
Debbie says that’s why she cried when she found out her daughter had won a place in the program – along with a scholarship to pay for it – it was the only way Chanelle was going to be able to go to what they call a varsity school.
“You know it was very emotional for me because we also struggle. and i didn’t have the money to let her to go varsity and all that.”
Chanelle pulls her portfolio out from under her bed in her tiny room. Her drawings trace her growing development as an artist. She isn’t shy about her goals – saying she wants to become the first female black animator in South Africa.
“…and my vision is always, I always see myself working in a studio. No matter what I’m doing I’m working there. If you put your mind to it, if you visualize it every day, you gonna succeed. It’s gonna to happen for you.”
Chanelle wants to use animated films to tell the stories of life in the township – good and bad. It won’t be the light-hearted fare typical of cartoons – but she believes she can deliver powerful tales to the world..
For The World, I’m Laura Lynch in Khayelitsha township, South Africa.
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