12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival Strengthening Caribbean-African Bond: Animate Africa

A Kalabanda Ate My Homework

St. George’s, GRENADA, October 11, 2023 - The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival (#1261 Film Festival) proudly announces its partnership with Vortex Corp, cementing its commitment to fostering profound cultural connections between Africa and the Caribbean through the captivating medium of animation and films. This year's festival, scheduled from October 24th to 29th, 2023, promises an exceptional cinematic experience that transcends geographical boundaries, bridging Grenada and Africa.

This partnership has successfully highlighted outstanding African animated films, including "A Kalabanda Ate My Homework" (inaugural year winner) and "Land of Gods," both part of Vortex Corp's Animate Africa initiative. Animate Africa is instrumental in curating exceptional African animated films that encapsulate the continent's unique stories, traditions, and artistic expressions, aligning seamlessly with the festival's core mission of celebrating global cinema and championing diversity.

The 1261 Film Festival team's primary objective is to educate students, local creatives, and business stakeholders about the numerous opportunities within the animation industry. They also emphasize the potential of harnessing cutting-edge technologies to preserve and promote Caribbean and African culture and stories globally. Animation is a potent tool for merging tradition with modernity, creating visually captivating content that encapsulates the essence of heritage while ensuring global accessibility.

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our partnership with Vortex Corp to fortify our connections between Grenada and Africa," declared Meschida Philip, Festival Director of the 1261 Grenada Film Festival. "This relationship goes beyond the festival; it lays the groundwork for future collaborations to foster cultural exchange opportunities for our budding animators and stakeholders here in Grenada. We eagerly anticipate another year of presenting exceptional films to our community, with the aim of promoting cultural understanding and representation.”

Vortex Corp, a leading advocate for animation as a potent medium for cultural exchange and storytelling, remains committed to nurturing talent and promoting diversity within the African animation industry.

Somto Ajuluchukwu, CEO / Founder Vortex Corp

“I believe in the African animation industry, in its power to create economic change and disruption through indigenous ownership of intellectual property and talent capacity growth" said Somto Ajuluchukwu, CEO / Founder at Vortex Corp. "Through Animate Africa, we aim to bridge African and Caribbean cultures, showcasing incredible talent and creativity on both continents. We are confident that this partnership will continue to inspire and entertain audiences while fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for our shared stories."

The 1261 Grenada Film Festival and Vortex Corp invite filmmakers, animators, and cinema enthusiasts worldwide to partake in this cultural celebration, advancing the magic of animation and nurturing the enduring connection between Grenada, the Caribbean, and Africa.

For more information about the 1261 Grenada Film Festival, please visit www.1261filmfestival.com.