Dédy Bilamba and Eric M’Boua | AfroVFX Co-Founders
Please tell us a bit about your company (mission, vision and values)
“They didn’t know it was possible, so they did it.” This quote encapsulates our driving mentality. Our company’s ambitious goal is to revolutionise Africa’s VFX and Animation industry, building on the legacy of veteran artists across the continent. We are on a mission to provide free professional 3D and VFX education, nurturing a community of world-class talent and bridging the gap between Africa and the international CGI industry. We value creativity, community, and the potential of African talent to shape the future of VFX and animation, one artist at a time, one story at a time.
Our work is not just teaching skills; but to build and strengthen a community of aspiring VFX artists, animators and coordinators who are passionate about their craft, and want to transform the African industry by coming together to create work that future generations will be proud of. The initiative is a giant leap towards making Africa a hub for VFX and animation, and it is open to anyone who shares the dream of developing a career in this fascinating field.
What was the catalyst in starting your own company?
As Africans living in North America, it was evident to us that combining our Western industry knowledge with our cultural connection to Africa could unlock the full potential of African talent.
Living in Montréal, one the top hubs for VFX and animation in the world, and having a foot in Abidjan, the locomotive of the francophone African creative industries and especially the neighbour of the incredible “Nollywood” industry, definitely motivated us to start AfroVFX.
In Africa, studios like Chocolate Tribe, Kugali or Ikweta Arts, were very strong inspiration to us.
What has starting your own company meant for your own self-development and fulfilment?
Starting AfroVFX has allowed us to realise the impact we can have on people’s lives by providing training and opportunities.
We’ve been humbled by the determination and talent of African artists who were already pursuing their dreams without external support.
(Picture: left – Dédy Bilamba, right – Eric M’Boua)
What have been the key challenges so far?
Financial struggles have been a challenge, but we’ve been fortunate to receive support from allies and industry players. Partnerships with organisations like Chaos Group, Trojan Horse Was a Unicorn and support from ecosystems in Montréal and the Abidjan Orange Digital Center have been crucial.
What’s been your favourite moment(s) so far?
Witnessing three AfroVFX students win the Sont Talent League competition and become proud ambassadors for African talent has been a highlight. This success story highlighted Africa’s potential and future prospects in the global VFX and animation industry.
What has been the biggest positive change since starting AfroVFX so far? Both to you and those around you?
AfroVFX has evolved into a movement beyond its founders, attracting hundreds of applicants and involving artists of African descent in mentoring roles. The company now bears the responsibility of nurturing and showcasing African talent to the world.
What advice would you have for anyone with a new idea like starting up a new company?
Follow your passion relentlessly and surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your vision.
What’s next for AfroVFX?
We aim to establish Africa as a hub for CGI talent and storytelling, continuing its mission to empower African artists and elevate the continent’s creative industry.
The next step is definitely to open an actual studio and a regional school.
Lisolo - 2, 3 & 4 april 2024
AfroVFX launch a first event in the Ivory Coast this April. LISOLO means “story” or “conversation” in Lingala and highlights the transformation of African creative ecosystems in VFX, Animation, 3D, Gaming and Virtual Reality.
Through workshops, masterclasses, meetings and competitions, LISOLO offers creators from the African continent a unique framework to be inspired by experts, improve their skills, meet their peers and develop their projects and/or creations. The line up includes ILM, Epic Games, Foundry, Chocolate Tribe and E.A Games.
