Telling our Stories in Annecy
At DisruptDNA, we tell stories..
A craft which has taken us on remarkable adventures. From exhibiting at Fame Week in Cape Town, South Africa, to receiving awards at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), to being nominated at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), and now our latest voyage to the beautiful alpine landscapes of Annecy, France, where we pitched our award-winning film,Song Maiden,and showcased our latest work in progress,Niko and Dorki, at the esteemed Annecy International Film Festival.
As we left the sight and sounds of Lagos to Annecy, we were filled with the prospect of telling our story to a more global audience. While navigating the intricate train system and overcoming the language barrier posed some minor challenges along the way, the trip was truly a transformative one. As creatives witnessing the shift in culture, language and landscape as we moved further away from home, we were immersed in the wonderful experience the journey presented.
Nestled amidst majestic mountains and beautiful lakes, Annecy unveiled itself as a post-medieval city that effortlessly blends its old architecture with a touch of modernity. Annecy, in June, emerged as the place to be for animated film enthusiasts from around the world, all converging to pitch, exhibit, and celebrate the magic of animation. The festival pulsated with creative energy, drawing industry giants like Sony and Disney, visionary animators, aspiring students, and passionate storytellers from every corner of the globe.
Presenting The Song Maiden at the Imperial Palace, a castle-like structure serving as the festival venue, was an exhilarating experience. Standing before industry leaders, animators, and fellow creatives, we poured our hearts into the narrative addressing the urgent issue of child marriage. The overwhelming reception and reactions our film evoked fueled our belief in the power of storytelling to ignite meaningful conversations and effect positive change.
Furthermore, Annecy provided a platform for us to connect with industry leaders, engage in vibrant discussions, and exchange ideas. These interactions widened our perspectives, ignited our creativity, and paved the way for potential collaborations that we believe will amplify new stories and push the boundaries of animation. Meeting industry heroes like Tom Bancroft and Genndy Tartakovsky, as well as exploring the booths of software companies such as Harmony, Toon Boon, Substance Painter, and Blender, were enriching. for us.
Beyond the pitch, we couldn’t resist exploring the city’s captivating wonders, as we know that it is through exploration that new stories are born. Annecy’s old town, with its enchanting canals, narrow streets, ice cream shops and cozy pubs, mesmerized us at every turn.
The Bridge of Love, near the beautiful Lake Annecy charmed us too, not just with the stunning lake below it and mountains around it, but its tradition of lovers inscribing their names on its railings and sealing their fate with padlocks.
As we moved deeper into the city, we came up on the Cathedral de San Pedro, a magnificent testament to Annecy’s impressive architecture. This grand Catholic church demanded attention and we couldn’t resist taking photos to preserve the memory. In the area around the church, we encountered a lively man expressing himself passionately in French, adding a vibrant touch to the otherwise peaceful atmosphere.
We also visited the Pont des Amours. Decorated with trees and charming docks, it offered us breathtaking views of the shimmering lake and majestic mountains.
Amidst the sight seeing, we enjoyed the delicious treats France had to offer such as French wine, cheese, croissants, pain au chocolat, baguettes, and macarons. By indulging, we savored the unique blend of flavors and textures that French cuisine is renowned for.
Returning from Annecy, our eyes were opened to the immense potential of animation as a catalyst for change. Late-night conversations at Annecy were often filled with the realization of the responsibility we possess as storytellers. The festival showcased diverse narratives, art styles, and cultural perspectives that reminded us of our responsibility to challenge norms, provoke thought, and inspire action through animated films. With that, we were once again committed to addressing social issues, and contributing to an inclusive animation industry.
In the end, our journey from Nigeria to Annecy marked a defining chapter in our pursuit of disrupting through animation. The experience of pitching The Song Maiden,forging connections, and immersing ourselves in the dynamic world of animation left an mark on our creative souls. We are fueled by a renewed sense of purpose, driven to create more films and empower under-represented voices. With a focus on untold narratives, we strive to contribute to a more inclusive society by telling more stories.
