Curated by Animation SA, the annual Festival brings South Africans the chance to catch some of the world’s best animated films from countries such as France, Brazil, Australia, Ireland and South Africa.

In addition, the CTIAF hosts an exciting range of workshops with global industry leaders, providing a rare opportunity to engage with them and learn from their insights. This year’s topics include subjects such as character animation, scriptwriting and producing.

The CTIAF is made possible thanks to generous support from sponsors Wesgro; Animation SA; the National Film and Video Foundation and the French Institute of South Africa.

The 2016 programme includes the African premiere of Stick Man by MagicLight Pictures and Triggerfish Studios. Stick Man is adapted from the book by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, of The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child fame, the animated films of which MagicLight were nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA.

There will also be screenings of Cartoon Saloon’s Song of the Sea, directed by two-time Oscar nominee Tomm Moore, and The Boy and the World, directed by Alê Abreu. The Boy and the World won the Cristal Award for Best Feature Film at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and the Grand Prix for feature film at the 2015 Animafest Zagreb.

Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their Stick Children three. But it's dangerous being a Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire. Will he ever get back to the family tree?

Nominated for an Oscar in the Best Animated Feature Film of the Year category, Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land. It is directed by Tomm Moore, whose film The Secret of Kells was also nominated for an Oscar.

Multiple award-winning The Boy and the World tells the story of Cuca, who lives a life of quiet wonder, exploring all that the countryside has to offer, until his cozy life is shattered when his father leaves for the city, prompting him to embark on a quest to reunite his family. Entirely wordless, the narrative describes a clash between poor and rich, countryside and city, indigenous and imperial, handcrafted and mechanised – and throughout the tumult, the heart and soul of the people beats on as a song. Accompanying the stunning visuals is a rich soundscape of pan-flute, samba, and Brazilian hip-hop, creating the powerful visceral experience of a passage through life.

Festival director Dianne Makings says, “The Festival’s programme is designed to inspire and build both the local industry and audiences, by exposing them to world class talent and content through screenings, talks, workshops and masterclasses.”

“We are delighted to have confirmed the African premiere of Stick Man by Magic Light and South Africa’s very own Triggerfish Studios, as well as Oscar nominated Song of the Sea and multiple award-winner, The Boy and the World,” adds Makings.

“We also have an incredible line up of workshops, catering for a range of interests,” concludes Makings.

A highlight is the workshop with world-famous Laika’s producer, Mark Shapiro, who has worked on films such as Coraline, Paranorman and The Corpse Bride. Christine Ponzavera will discuss different strategies to pitch to European studios, and also how co-productions work.

Technical talks and demonstrations will all be hosted by ToonBoom, Chaos Group, The Foundry and Autodesk.

“It’s a coup to have secured Nedy Acet, who is a 3D animator at Dreamworks studio, producers of hits such as Kung Fu Panda and How To Train Your Dragon. He will present an artistic workshop about character design. We are grateful to the French Institute of South Africa, who have enabled Nedy and Christine to be with us,” says Makings.  

“We will also be partnering with Friends of Design to offer a series of Gaming Workshops, and once again with the innovative team from Pop the Culture, who will run various seminars.”

To ensure that festival goers don’t miss what’s happening at the office while they are attending the Festival, Media Cloud will be providing internet access for all attendees. This will also allow Q&A sessions with overseas directors such as Tomm Moore and Adam Elliot to be remotely accessible.

Oscar winning Elliot will be presenting his latest short film - Ernie Biscuit.

In addition, the Festival will host a student awards initiative, with incredible prizes; a children’s programme; a competition for the Festival trailer; outreach programmes and B2B sessions.

“We have supported Kunjanimation, now the Cape Town International Animation Festival, since its inception,” says Frédéric Chambon, head of Film and Media, French Institute of South Africa. “We have seen it grow, and the partnership with the French animation sector leap from strength to strength. There have been many success stories as a result of this collaboration, and we look forward to expanding on this for the next year.”

“We understand the value, and the potential value, that the animated film industry has to be a key driver in positive economic return,” says Monica Rorvik, head of Film and Production at Wesgro, the official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. “South Africa has a wealth of talent and skills in this sector, and Wesgro strives to help them become export-ready and maximize the benefits to them.”

The Cape Town International Animation Festival takes place from Thursday, 18 to Sunday, 21 February 2016. All screenings and workshops take place at The River Club in Observatory, Cape Town.

For more information, visit www.ctiaf.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook.