A little over 3 weeks ago, on 21st September 2024 in Dartford, we welcomed and concluded a unique event in Dartford, The African Animated Shorts Experience (TAASE2). The event marked its second year and built on the success of the previous edition also held in Dartford during the Black History Month in October 2023. TAASE is a brainchild of Debo, one of the brilliant minds of the Dartford community who is engaging the local community through AWAnetwork a social enterprise. (www.awanetwork.cc)
TAASE 2 once again showcased a vibrant celebration of African storytelling through animation short films, comics magazines to preview and a digital arts demo session with insightful conversations on topics like comic creation and animation production pipelines. The event brought together a diverse group of artists, film enthusiasts, novices and industry professionals alike, fostering a space for cultural exchange and creative collaboration, it highlighted the diverse creative and storytelling talent emerging from the African continent, connecting creators with international audiences as they displayed their unique perspectives and narratives. Participant entries also had the chance to win the Audience Choice Award, adding an element of competition to the screenings.
The day was captured on camera by the awesome Nadine Ong of Nadine Ong Photography who volunteered her time only just after one chance meeting and a casual chat on the Dartford high street, what a jewel she is. Nick of Growlerstop Bar was ever ready to help spread the word at his pub, big thanks to Vijay Jain and Dartford Living for the opportunities to speak about this event at the DL business networking event, this attests to how the local community rallies around to support one of their own. Special thanks to the Deputy Mayor Peter Whapshott who was in attendance with his wife and on behalf of the Mayor.
Some of the feedback received include a call to make this event more popular and for attendance to be even better especially for Dartford and environ however we had people come in from Wembley, Greenwich and other parts of London, the demo session was popular as usual with calls to take these session to school and colleges, most people scored the event 8 out of 10 and when asked if they will pay for a ticket only one person say maybe yes, everyone else gave an emphatic yes they will gladly pay, it is important to note that this event had no sponsorship nor funding yet it was a free event with nibbles to eat and drink and also an award category.
The event organizers are committed to expanding the festival in the coming years, hoping to turn TAASE into a major platform for not just African animation and comic, but local creatives on the big stage. We solicit the support of both local business and any interested partners.
Unto next year 2025 and beyond.
Article by Nadine Ong and Debo Adeaga and photos by Nadine Ong
