News / 03 Jul 2024
'From Tiger to Anansi' animation screened at international film festivals
BA (Hons) Animation
'From Tiger to Anansi', a community animation project inspired by the folklore character of Anansi the Spider, has been screened at international film festivals.
The project was initiated by; Eddie Lockhart, Instructor of Photography and Film; Ben Simpson (a.k.a Doctor Simpo), BA (Hons) Animation Senior Lecturer; in conjunction with the University's Progression team. It was co-created by participants of the Leeds Arts University Progression Summer School and delegates of the Thought Bubble Comic Convention. The many contributors to the film range between school year 7-13.
"Throughout the three-year project I have personally worked alongside a whole host of culturally diverse students, staff and community groups to produce this short animation. One of our African students was involved with the production and clean up of the animation, as well as staff members Ebenezer and Calvin from Africa and the West Indies, who provided vocals and narration for the film."
Ben Simpson (aka Doctor Simpo), BA (Hons) Animation Senior Lecturer
The animation was chosen as part of the Official Selection at Lift-Off Filmaker Sessions hosted by Lift-Off Global Network in 2023. It was also chosen as one of the Official Selection in the 7th International Folklore Film Festival 2024 in India.
"The history of the Anansi stories is that they are stories with a life lesson for the listener. They are to Africa what the Grimms fairy tales are to Europe (but less complicated). These are the stories that would be told by my uncle when I was a child. The project had to be halted during the pandemic but the murder of George Floyd gave me the impetus to have the project completed. My motivation for sharing the story is that the world needs to come together and share what it has whether it be wealth or culture, and give respect to one another."
Eddie Lockhart, Instructor of Photography and Film