Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
LAST week, the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) unveiled the nominees for its highly anticipated 2024 edition, and among them is Plumtree-based animator and digital artist, Kadelwa Ndlovu.
His nomination under the “Rising Talent” category for the animation piece “Lost in Space” marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean representation in the festival, which is largely dominated by South African talent.
Scheduled to return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Thursday, CTIAF is celebrated as Africa’s premier animation festival, showcasing the best in animation from around the globe.
The festival serves as a vibrant platform for creativity, innovation, and collaboration, aiming to inspire and connect animation enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Its initiatives focus on fostering dialogue with international partners to elevate and promote African talent on a global stage, making it a haven for animation lovers and creators alike.
In a recent social media post, CTIAF expressed excitement about the nominees, stating, “We’re thrilled to reveal the talented artists and creatives nominated for the 2024 CTIAF Student Awards! Their hard work, passion, and creativity have brought them to this moment, and we can’t wait to celebrate together!”
Ndlovu, hailing from Dombodema village in Plumtree, expressed his gratitude for the nomination.
“I’m grateful for this nomination as it is a reflection of my work. I have been trying to push my brand beyond my space and it’s paying off now,” he shared with Chronicle Showbiz.
Ndlovu has been an active advocate for the recognition of digital arts in the education sector, emphasising the importance of creativity in learning environments.
His journey in digital arts has also seen him exhibit at several notable events, including the Sanganai/Hlanganani Business Expo, the National Youth Expo, and the Annual Provincial Exhibition in Bulawayo in 2022.
The full list of nominees is as follows:
3D Production Team:
“Bewilderness” – Nkhensane Mhishi; Dieulv Tshingej; Brandan Mamet; Jordan McGlynn; Rakgomo Matlala; Tumelo Matabola; Gerhardus Laubscher (The Animation School).
“By Two” – Wiam Botma; Ruby Reim; Luca Cajeux; Justin Weir; Basil Ragavelas; Kristin Smith; Sinelizwi Msengana; Emma Murdoch-Eaton; Jace Lockett (The Animation School).
“Powerless” – Martin Bekker; David de Matos-Ala; Jarrod Havinga; Marnus Koekemoer; Scott Lee Samuels (Open Window).
“The Elephant” – Tamaryn-Leigh Driver; Michelle Li; Alex Potter; Romir Hira; Melusi Knocker; Ross Lodge; Nnete Matsela; Atlehang Mabokela (The Animation School).
Rising Talent:
“Deep South” – William Olive (Constantia Waldorf School).
“Eclosion” – Jupiter Thompson (Constantia Waldorf School).
“Lost in Space” – Kadelwa Joab Ndlovu (Plumtree School)
“One Hungry Tree – Comics Turned Into LEGO” – Daneel Brönner (Tomorrow’s Filmmakers).
As the excitement builds for this year’s festival, Ndlovu’s nomination not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the growing influence of Zimbabwean artists in the animation industry.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter