A UK based company is hoping to transform the animation industry in Africa with its
brand of 3D animation.
TransTales Entertainment is currently developing the continuing story of the hit 3D
animation series Mark of Uru into a 14-part television series.
The earlier version of Mark of Uru completed in 2009, which consists of five episodes of
24 minutes each, is available on DVD and has become a success in Nigeria and with the
US’s African-American audience. It is an ongoing series with six episodes already made.
TransTales CEO Segun Williams says the future of animation in Africa is very bright.
“Africa is a land of stories filled with myths and legends; culturally stories are told from
generation to generation by word of mouth. Animation is now allowing us to bring these
stories to life in a colourful way.’
Like every African story Mark of Uru has a lot of lessons embedded in it, like loyalty,
bravery and female empowerment. The story is about Azuka – a girl born with a
birthmark identical to the tattoo of a sorceress Uru, who died long ago. Despite her
mother’s effort to conceal the birthmark, it is eventually discovered and the killing of the
child becomes imminent to protect her people from the curse of Uru. The intervention of
the earthbound elemental spirit Isi-Agu and his protege Etido forestalls Azuka’s
execution. She is taken to a sacred mountain well beyond the reach of family, friends
and foes.
Azuka grows into a woman under the protection of Isi-Agu and Etido, and the news of
her survival sparks a manhunt initiated by people bent on her death. The chaos is
heightened by the emergence of malignant elements with the intent to capture her and
utilise the powers she might posses.
Caught in the midst of the chaos, her longing for answers grows. With the assistance of
a band of outcasts, she embarks on a grueling journey through the most treacherous
terrains to unravel the mystery behind her bizarre birthmark.
Deep love
So far TransTales has produced several 3D animation short films such as Anya and
African Tales, as well as features Pride of Perdition and Enemy of the Rising Sun.
The latter won the United Nations World Summit Award in 2009 for the best use of
technology to promote African culture. It has also screened at festivals around the world
such as the Pan African Film Festival and Black History Walks.
Williams stresses that TransTales Entertainment is at this point not competing with
western animation, as what it does is different. “We are telling our own stories as
Africans in Africa and with that privileged perspective. Many of our fans are from the
black diaspora community and generally people from places like India and Europe have
been open and receptive of our type of animation. We make our films family friendly and
accessible to children.’
TransTales’ market is mostly online for now and its product is also funded through DVD
sales, distribution and screenings. The near future will see the company launch
animation merchandise. They hope to partner with some mainstream distributors soon.
