The French Institute gears up for the Cape Town International Animation Festival

In its ninth year, the Cape Town International Animation Festival is back, and the French Institute of South Africa is excited to partner with this renowned festival again to amplify animation talent worldwide.

The French Institute is thrilled to be offering a specially curated programme for everyone to immerse themselves in. Our programme will include a panel discussion with prominent voices from the industry, namely Cécile Blondel, Head of International Relations at GOBELINS School of Visual Arts. With a rich background in the audiovisual sector, cinema and theatre, Blondel will also offer her perspective on the creative process in a workshop focusing on short film making. We are also looking forward to bringing a spectacular drive-in cinema experience for attendees to enjoy the films Le Petit Vampire and La Fameuse Invasion des ours en Sicile from the comfort of their cars. Attendees can also find us on our virtual booth, where they can network with the IFAS team, international industry players and more.

“We are excited to be part of this platform where students, professionals, filmmakers and all-round animation lovers, can come together to exchange ideas. There is no better gathering in South Africa for those who want to understand the animation industry, while connecting with both local and international players. Our support is unquestionable.” ꟷ Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Audiovisual Attaché, French Embassy in South Africa.

Meet our team and our collaborators at the festival, and enjoy our programme at the following events: 

October 1

• 7:00 pm: Join us for a screening of Le Petit Vampire at the GoDriveIn Movie & Roadhouse in Salt River. Bookings essential.

October 2

• 12 pm -1 pm: Join us for a screening of Mogau Kekana’s Red Ants.
• 12 pm-2 pm: Join us for a viewing of the best short films produced by African students from GOBELINS – School of Images.
• 1 pm-2 pm: Attend our panel discussion on training opportunities within the animation industry facilitated by the French Institute’s Mélissa Dusart with Isaac Mogajane (Executive Producer, Bridges), Lesego Vorster (Head of Animation, Tshimologong) and Cécile Blondel (Head of International Relations, GOBELIN).
• 7:00 pm: Join us for a screening of La Fameuse Invasion des ours en Sicile at the GoDriveIn Movie & Roadhouse in Salt River. Bookings essential.

October 3  

• 10 am-12:45 am: Join Cécile Blondel for a workshop on the storytelling specificities of making a short film, the economics and evolution of film production, and the role of women in the short film space.

For more information on the festival, tickets and booking details, visit www.ctiaf.com

For press queries contact Ntombenhle Shezi: Ntombenhle.Shezi@frenchinstitute.org.za

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Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival: Re-imagine. Re-invent. Re-define.

7^th September

In celebration of Heritage Month, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) in association with Sibikwa Arts Centre’s Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival, present a triple bill of cutting-edge dance pieces on 17 & 18 September 2021. Weaving diverse traditional and contemporary dance cultures, the programme features: Um Segundo ‘One Second’ by Edna Jaime (Mozambique), Iqhawe Elingaphakathi ‘Shadow Pillar’ by Mcebisi Bhayi (South Africa), and Kuzaliwa Upya ‘Reincarnation’ by Thapelo Kotlolo (South Africa).

When the drummers change their beats the dancers must also change their steps.

– African Proverb

Kabusha, a new international dance exchange launching this year, will initiate an immersive experience filled with movement, music, exploration and adventure; promoting cultural cooperation and cross-border exchange. The festival will merge traditional and contemporary dance forms that promote the preservation of our heritage, existing across generations of African dancers, while exploring possibilities to Re-imagine…Re-invent…Re-define…

Dance, as one of the oldest forms of cultural expression, translates spiritual energy to a higher consciousness transcending time, space and reality. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has seen billions of people physically, emotionally and spiritually isolated; dance is able to bring us together, shorten the distance between us…they and them, and rekindle well-being, inspiration and hope at a time of anxiety and uncertainty.

Presenting works that explore and showcase the choreographers’ perceptions of spirituality, ancestral connections and evolving identities; Kabusha promises audiences a moment to appreciate the connections between Afro cultures, interlacing traditional and contemporary dance forms in response to the new norms.

The festival will also offer local dancers a workshop by Edna Jaime, titled Bodies Against Time, which proposes a time of meeting with oneself and with the other, to reflect on the constantly adapting demands on the body and to seek new possibilities of and through movement. Following the workshop, there will be a dialogue on Tradi-Contemporary Dance Views among female choreographers from South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar.

“We are proud to be supporting the Sibikwa Arts Centre’s Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival, especially during Heritage Month, and we are proud to play our part in supporting the arts which have been devastatingly impacted by the pandemic. We believe that this will be an opportunity to foster meaningful collaborations and curiosity between South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Our hope for each workshop, is for all aspiring dancers to have the chance to explore the world of possibilities available to them through this exciting medium.”

Dates & Target Audience: On 17 and 18 September, performances will target Creative Arts High School learners/Dance Studios and the general public respectively.

• Venue: Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni
• Show Times: 17 September, 14h00 and 18 September, 15h00
• Ticket Price: Students R30; Adults R50
• Food and drinks will be sold on 18 September.
• Workshop: 19 September, 09h00 – 12h00, Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni.
• Dialogue: 19 September, 13h00 – 14h30, Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni.

Entrance to the workshop and dialogue is free, however, space is limited, and interested participants are required to RSVP to secure their space. Workshop participants are also strongly encouraged to watch the performances. Food and drinks will be sold on 19 September.

For Media Enquiries

Lungile Majola: info@sibikwa.co.za | +27 11 422 4359

Sibikwa Arts Centre, Corner Bolton & Liverpool Rd, Benoni.

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