Encounters Exchange Project

Building Global Bridges Through Animation

In 2018, the Accra Animation Film Festival (AAFFia) partnered with Encounters, the UK’s leading festival for short film, animation, and virtual reality, to establish sustainable links between African and international creative communities.
As part of the collaboration, AAFFia curated dedicated programs of African animation for the Encounters Short Film Festival in both 2018 and 2019. Beyond showcasing Africa’s growing animation scene to global audiences, the partnership fostered meaningful dialogue around cooperation, collaboration, and co-production, amplifying the visibility and creative potential of African animation on the world stage.
The inaugural AAFFia delegation at Encounters 2018 was a milestone moment. Several participating Ghanaian animators connected with international mentors and collaborators, opening doors to new projects and partnerships. Building on this success, a second delegation of six African animators joined Encounters 2019, further strengthening the bond between the two organizations and deepening creative exchange across continents.

Participants Impressions

The Encounters Film Festival was a memorable and inspiring experience that opened valuable networking opportunities. It provided exposure to diverse techniques, industry insights, and enthusiastic audience feedback, motivating greater ambition and growth in personal animation projects.
Natasha Nayo
Animator, Illustrator and part-time freelancer.
AAFFia offered a powerful opportunity to connect with international creatives, gain valuable feedback, and learn new storytelling and animation approaches. The experience was inspiring, motivating, and a meaningful step toward growing and globalizing the local animation industry.
Emmanuel Dankyi
Motion designer, Illustrator and Senior Brand Designer @ Mintlify
The Encounters Film Festival offered a rewarding opportunity to screen work internationally, receive encouraging feedback, and connect with industry professionals. The experience inspired new ideas, valuable technical insights, and potential future collaborations.
Bertil Toby Svaeniker
Character Animator and Animation Director