ABOUT US
African Animations is platform for bringing important historical and contemporary stories from Africa through animations and film. The platform has been launched by Blue Nile Ventures registered in the U.S. with most of its production work taking place in Ethiopia with local firms that have expertise in animation. The African-Animations team includes international development experts; animators and influencers who already undertake marketing activities targeting African American audiences.
MISSION
Re-living African History through Animations and Books
African-Animations seeks to bring important events and leaders from African history to light using animated film. Our animations are based on books, mostly written in local African languages and translated into English. It is hoped that these animations and books from Africa’s fascinating past can encourage global audiences, particularly in the US- home to a large African American community- to consider learning about Africa as well as traveling and even investing there.
Learning about important leaders and events in Africa can also build a positive re-connection to Africa that adds to an increased sense of positive identity for people of color everywhere. For mainstream populations, learning more about important events and leaders from Africa allows them to see the continent in a more authentic way.
Books About Ancient African Civilizations
There are many books written by outstanding African authors as well as western writers about fascinating aspects about African civilizations. This is particularly true in the case Ethiopia, a country over 3,000 years old, where the earliest copy of the bible was discovered. Western explorers have researched and documented information from ancient Ethiopian manuscripts that give insight into advanced indigenous knowledge in areas related to astronomy, health, architecture, among others. In addition, there are also adventure books written by Ethiopian authors based on mystical experiences in ancient monasteries. We seek to bring many of these important stories to light through animation.
Why learn about Africa?
It is in Africa that the oldest fossils of the early ancestors of humankind have been found, and it s the only continent that shows evidence of humans through the key stages of evolution. All people need to learn about their past and need to be able to participate in the creation of their own legacy. In the past, the story of Africa has been told and defined by others and these 'others' have been considered authorities on the subject. The representation of African events and characters by non-Africans has led, in many instances, to the creation of a negative portrayal of Africa. Being exposed to Africa and African history gives us a deeper understanding of world history and even modern American history. For instance, the relationship between the United States and Africa predates American Independence. In the past, the story of Africa has been told and defined by others and these 'others' have been considered authorities on the subject. The representation of African events and characters by non-Africans has led, in many instances, to the creation of a negative portrayal of Africa.