The stage is set for an electrifying weekend as AVIJOZI, South Africa’s only two-day free access festival dedicated to Animation Film, Visual Effects (VFX), and Interactive Technology, returns for its third instalment on September 14th and 15th, 2024. Hosted at the iconic Summer Place in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, this year’s festival is again brought to you by the creative powerhouse Chocolate Tribe, in partnership with Netflix.
AVIJOZI is a free-of-charge festival that aims to connect creatives, technicians, software developers, AI researchers, artists, writers, directors, producers, students, VFX and animation studios, and industry enthusiasts from Africa and beyond. Creating platforms for collaboration – The festival aims to be the catalyst that sparks significant local and international interest in the animation, VFX, film and interactive spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or just starting, AVIJOZI has something to offer you.
Conceptualized in 2021 by Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt, CEO of award winning South African high-end visual effects and animation studio, Chocolate Tribe, AVIJOZI now in its third year is not only a growing event but has become a global event. Bringing together people and top industry professionals from around the world, this year’s edition will see local and international speakers across multiple disciplines including: Ellen Poon (US) – Visual Effects Supervisor and producer; Hamid Ibrahim (UK/Uganda) – Co-Founder and CEO of Kugali Media; Shuzo Shiota (Japan) – Producer and CEO of Polygon Pictures; Vaibhav Kumaresh (India) – Director; Yvonne Muinde (Kenya) – Fine Artist, Matte Painter and Muralist (Rise of the Planet of the Apes; Avatar); Greg Grey (South Africa) – Cannes Award winning Director; Jena Olson (US) – Deputy Director, Women in Animation (WIA); Nelisiwe & Ofentse Mwase (South Africa) – OMFilms.
An Industry Coming Together – Growth Will Come from Within
AVIJOZI has quickly evolved into an annual event and gather that underscores the critical role that visual effects and animation play in elevating the film and television industry, not just in South Africa but across the African continent and worldwide. The festival shines a spotlight on Africa’s burgeoning creative and technology scene, amplifying the voices of young talent and creating pathways to global collaboration.
It is in this collaboration of growing the talent pipeline that sees industry professionals and competing local studios and production houses come together to grow the industry from within including Chocolate Tribe, Luma Animation Studio, Those Production Girls Production Management and Triggerfish Animation Studios.
International collaboration and networking are also an essential part of growing and building a sustainable industry and AVIJOZI 2024 will also see representatives from around the world attending and participating including Rise Visual Effects Studio (Germany); VRBN Studios (Switzerland); Edugame (Namibia); Tabs Production (Zambia) and Blender Studio (Netherlands).
Their commitment to skills development, transformation, and narrative change is deeply woven into the fabric of AVIJOZI, making the festival a hub for aspiring creatives.
What’s in Store?
AVIJOZI 2024 is pulling out all the stops to bring you an immersive experience like no other. Expect a jam-packed schedule featuring everything from riveting keynote speeches by industry legends to hands-on masterclasses that will sharpen your skills. Whether it’s interactive game creation classes or mind-blowing show-and-tell sessions on the latest in virtual production, this festival is designed to inspire, educate, and connect.
Plus, there’s more! Game jams, virtual reality showcases, motion capture demonstrations—AVIJOZI is all about bringing the future of tech and creativity to the present. And let’s not forget the vibrant Artist Corner, where you can meet and mingle with the minds behind some of the most captivating digital content out there. All of this, set against a backdrop of live music, mouthwatering food, and the best networking opportunities in town. It’s a tech and creative enthusiast’s paradise!
This year’s edition of AVIJOZI will see the inaugural Women’s Summit focusing on women in the VFX and animation sector and providing opportunities to connect, network, grow and foster support for more women in the industry.
AVIJOZI is also dedicated to fostering the next generation of African storytellers. Through year-round roadshows to schools, colleges, and universities, the festival and its partners are paving the way for community participation and career development, ensuring that the future of African creative tech is brighter than ever.
Join Us!
Whether you’re a budding animator, a tech enthusiast, or just someone who loves great stories, AVIJOZI 2024 is the place to be. Come celebrate with us, learn from the best, and be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create. See you at Summer Place, Hyde Park, on September 14th and 15th!
For more information and to register for your free tickets, visit www.avijozi.com.
