From Passion to Enterprise: UniMAC-IFT’s Department of Animation and Game Design Celebrates World Animation Day with a Call for Investment in Ghana’s Animation Sector

The University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television’s (UniMAC-IFT), Department of Animation and Game Design on Tuesday, 28th October 2025 joined the global celebration of World Animation Day, with an exhibition that placed the spotlight on Ghana’s growing animation industry and its economic promise.
Held at the UniMAC-IFT’s Television Studio, the exhibition featured screenings of selected animation projects by students and alumni of the Department of Animation and Game Design. The event, which marked the first edition of the IFT Animation Exhibition, attracted industry players, students, lecturers, and creative arts enthusiasts who witnessed how Ghanaian talent is using animation to tell African stories.

Some of the works screened included ‘Agradaa’ by Francis Y. Brown, ‘Panga’ by Mark Adjel Kwarteng, ‘Nubuke’ by Aryee Bismark Adamafio, ‘Mousetrap’ by Angelica Atitsogbui, ‘Chaskele’ by Bertil Toby Svanekiaer, and ‘Edem’ by Zenock Gyimah Ampornsah. Each production reflected unique perspectives on Ghanaian life, culture, and imagination, showcasing both the artistic and entrepreneurial potential of the country’s animation scene.

The guest speaker for the event, a renowned playwright and producer, Mr. Latif Abubakar (picture to the right), spoke on the theme, “The Future through the Past: Building Bridges Between Tradition and Technology.” He urged young creators to draw inspiration from Ghana’s cultural heritage while harnessing technology to build sustainable creative enterprises. “Our past is not something we throw away; it is the force that shapes the way ahead,” he stated.

Mr. Abubakar further indicated that, “animation is a bridge between identity and imagination; between the spirit of yesterday and the technology of tomorrow. Every frame you design and every story you tell is proof that Africa is not just a consumer of stories. Africa is also a storyteller.” He ended by encouraging the students to dream boldly, innovate with integrity, and use animation as a tool to redefine Africa’s image globally.

An Animator and a UniMAC-IFT alumnus, Bertil Toby Svanekiaer ( picture at the left), whose short film ‘Chaskele’ was featured, described Ghana’s animation sector as promising but underdeveloped from a business perspective. He said that, although a few studios are beginning to find commercial opportunities, the majority of animators still fund their projects personally due to limited investment and support. “It takes months to complete even short animations. Television stations often expect creators to pay for airtime instead of investing in local content. If government and investors can support creators the same way France and Nigeria do, our industry could grow much faster.” Most of us end up taking commercial jobs just to fund our own projects,” he further explained

Svanekiaer believes festivals and international collaborations could open more doors for Ghanaian animators, creating visibility and access to investors. He also emphasised the need for collaboration among local studios, which he said is already helping to strengthen the community of animators.

Mrs. Daisy Abaya, Chief Instructor at the Department of Animation and Game Design of UniMAC-IFT, acknowledged that, although Ghana’s animation sector is still in its early stages, its economic potential is significant. She explained that the department’s goal is not only to nurture creativity but also to equip students with business and entrepreneurial skills to turn their art into sustainable careers. “For a long time, we have focused more on the art than the business,” she noted. “But we now see the need to teach students how to transform their creativity into livelihoods. The new curriculum we are developing will include the business side of animation and creative arts,” she intimated.

Mrs. Abaya, highlighted the need for funding, policy incentives, and reduced taxes to attract investment into the creative industry. According to her, Ghana must learn from countries that have successfully built creative economies by funding local productions and providing platforms for creators. “Animation can drive advertising, advocacy, and education while creating jobs for young people in areas like production design, sound, and directing. With the right support, we can build a thriving industry that contributes to national development,” Mrs. Abaya said.
The UniMAC-IFT Animation Exhibition reflected a growing awareness that animation is not just an art form but a viable economic sector capable of generating revenue and projecting Ghana’s identity on the world stage. As the country celebrates World Animation Day, the message was clear: with strategic investment, education, and collaboration, Ghana’s animation industry could become one of Africa’s most dynamic creative exports.

Drafted By Makida El Husseini
Level 400 Broadcast Journalism Student