Dianne Makings is the festival director of the Cape Town International Animation Festival. She talks about the event and how much she enjoys it:
How did you get where you are, as festival director of the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) – how did it happen?
I’ve always been involved in creative industries, and was approached in 2014 by friends to help them with the festival. I had such a good time on the first one that I asked them if I could stay.
And what is your background in the arts?
I studied Theatre and Performance at UCT and worked in theatre for a couple of years. I loved theatre, but also realised that I loved the behind-the-scenes life more. From there I got an internship at a PR company, which launched me into the world of eventing, marketing and finally advertising where I worked at a large advertising agency for more than five years.
The festival has been a real joy for me, being able to marry the experience I gained in the business world with my first passion of creative industry.
Has animation always held a specific interest for you?
As a consumer I’ve always loved animation and its ability to tell a story like no other medium. For me the gift of animation is that creatively it has no constraints.
I remember the first time I saw a studio Ghibli film – I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, it blew me away.
Would you say Cape Town – and South Africa – has an exciting, growing animation sector?
Absolutely. Most South Africans don’t get to see the incredible amount and quality of work we produce as it mostly gets purchased internationally. But there are really great stories and pieces out there.
And is it easy to get into the business?
Yes and no. No, because animation does requires training and as we know tertiary training is expensive and that is definitely one barrier. But there are more and more online courses and free software available for people who are interested. But of course you need a computer.
Yes, because you can be a self starter and approach companies for internships, learn online or start with graphic novels. There are lots of in’s to the industry you just have to find your fit.
I always recommend that people start by joining the social groups on Facebook and following organisations like Animation SA or Animate Africa.
Is there such a thing as a South African – or African – style of animation, as opposed to work from Europe or the Americas?
There are two schools of thought on this. One is that in order to appeal globally you should create a story that is based on global truths.
The other is that in order to stand out you should tell your African story. My take on it is “create what you want to create”.
And then create some more. And keep creating until you have something that you are passionate about.
I recently was lucky to meet some Nigerian illustrators at a local film festival and any of these guys and girls could be drawing for Marvel or DC. The work was incredible
In terms of the festival itself – it’s definitely for all ages, from kids to adult animation buffs?
We have a combination of programmes for everyone – so not everything is for everyone. Take a good look at the programme and figure out where you want to be.
If it is somebody’s first time, how should they approach the festival?
I would find one or two films that looked interesting and maybe attend some of our free lectures and events. If something grabs you and you’d like to see more then you can purchase tickets on the day.
Could you please list five personal highlights of the festival?
- I’m super excited to hear John Shuzo Shiota from Japan speak about Japanese animation and their industry.
- I’m also very keen to hear from Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz, the creator of the Nickelodeon Series Shimmer and Shine. She’s Iranian- American and wanted to create a series that reflected her and her daughter’s experience.
- French Producer Ivan Rouveure is also going to be speaking about a new exciting project. His company has been nominated more than five times for an Academy Award and was involved in the incredible Secret of Kells.
- My Life as a Courgette and Miss Hokusai are going to be amazing films shown at our Outdoor Theatre.
- And locally I’m super keen to hear more about the VFX team from Black Ginger that worked on the latest Resident Evil
What would you say has been your best animation experience to date?
That’s a tricky question. My favourite experience was likely Song of the Sea. It’s art and storytelling style was something I’d never seen before and it really blew me away.
Watching it for a second time with my daughter and seeing how transported she was made the second viewing even better!
What: Cape Town International Animation Festival
When: 2 to 5 March
Where: The River Club, Observatory, Cape Town
Book: Webtickets
Screenings cost from R40. A full festival pass (valid 3 to 5 March) costs from R100 to R500. A day pass costs R350 (both tickets include all events except the masterclasses).
Visit: www.ctiaf.com for the full programme details.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CTInternationalAnimationFest
Twitter: @CTanimationfest
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