The Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA has broken its own record with submissions grossing a total of 1088 entries from 111 countries being the highest since the inception of the animation festival and conference, figures revealed as curtain was drawn on entries for the 7th edition of the festival.
The submissions which include entries from 24 African countries, is the highest participation of African countries since the festival started in 2016 revealed USP Brand Management, organizers of the annual animation festival.
The top five countries with the highest number of entries are: United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria, India and Brazil. In the various categories, 2D Animation recorded the highest number of entries with 637 submissions.
LIFANIMA, which has grown to become the second largest animation film festival in Africa is presented in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Embassy of France in Nigeria. The Film festival is endorsed by the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, LSFVCB.
“We are highly excited by the steady growth of this festival and the amazing potential of African animation for which LIFANIMA provides an amazing platform”, says Muyiwa Kayode, Festival Director and Creator of the multiple award-winning animation series, TURTLE TAIDO.
A new addition to the festival this year is an animation workshop specially designed for aspiring animators currently undergoing training. Animation specialists and consultants will be on hand to facilitate the workshop. Over the years, LIFANIMA has seen a steady increase in submission of films across the categories of 2D animation, 3D animation, Animation commercials, Visual effects and Stop Motionwhich was added in 2021.
“Animation offers a strong platform for youth empowerment and development of fresh talent. This creative genre is the next big thing and Lagos State is positioned to play a lead role in this development while also giving our youths new tools of creative expression and income earning power” says Mrs Bukola Agbaminoja, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board.
The festival will feature Screening of Selected Works, Award Presentation, Networking and Entertainment, and will attract Animators; local and foreign, Film makers, Investors, Financial Institutions, Advertising agencies, Musical Video Producers, Media Practitioners, Digital Marketing professionals, Government agencies, Information Technology companies/manufacturers and the general public.
