My Better World, a 55-episode TV sequence that follows the adventures of six African teenagers as they navigate the complicated challenges of faculty, household and friendship, has been nominated for an International Emmy Award.
The sequence was produced by South Africa’s Fundi Films in collaboration with Johannesburg-based MAAN Creative for Impact(Ed) International (previously Discovery Learning Alliance). The International Emmy Awards shall be held in New York on 21 November 2022.
The sequence was additionally chosen for Annecy International Animation Film Festival – the world’s highest-profile animation occasion.
My Better World has already been broadcast throughout 5 African international locations with a attain of 140 million, with extra broadcasters and international locations to observe quickly. With a mean of 1.4 million viewers weekly, it was certainly one of Kenya’s hottest reveals and the primary youngsters’ present in Kenya. “My Better World embodies the best of what media can and should do – draw audiences on its entertainment merit, telling the stories that matter most, and leaving them empowered to improve their lives and the lives of those around them,” says Ivy Denge from Citizen TV in Kenya.
AN AFRICAN SERIES FOR AFRICAN AUDIENCES
“We spent three years working with a pan-African team of over 100 artists to bring the series to life, and to see it being enjoyed by viewers across our continent is amazing. This International Emmy nomination is great recognition for the whole team,” says Chris Morgan, South African sequence producer at Fundi Films, one of many two South African corporations behind the sequence.
The manufacturing is without doubt one of the largest animated sequence ever created solely in Africa. Each episode revolves across the six associates going through a specific problem of their lives and likewise features a two-minute documentary showcasing inspiring position fashions from throughout Africa.
“We had writers in Tanzania and Kenya, documentary crews in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and beyond, and of course the incredible animators from MAAN Creative in Johannesburg,” says Morgan.
The sequence was produced in 4 languages (English, Swahili, Somali and Hausa). A World Bank influence research confirmed the sequence led to elevated college enrolment and improved parental aspirations for college students to remain in class longer, cease early marriages, and have kids later in life.
‘MY BETTER WORLD’: BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT
Executive Producer and Co-CEO of Impact(Ed) International, Aric Noboa, says, “Through the series, we’re equipping young viewers with essential life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and the power of collaboration while addressing issues important to youth. These include child labour, child marriage, and gender roles. For example, in Nigeria there was a 43% increase in the number of girls enrolled in school in communities as a direct result of facilitated community screenings of the series.”
Aimed at youngsters, My Better World tackles difficult material, MAAN Creative Co-Director, Johan Scheepers, says, including that it was necessary to get the tone proper. “It had to be entertaining, educational, meet all the curriculum requirements and be sensitive to different cultural norms.”
More than 35 South African animators and artists labored on My Better World. “We’re thrilled that My Better World has been nominated for an International Emmy,” says Scheepers. “These are African stories told by African creatives. I think it is very positive for African story-telling and our local animation industry. It is quite a landmark project in many ways.”
The first sequence is on observe to broadcast out to 200 million individuals by the tip of 2023 whereas the workforce is now growing a second season and actively wanting for funding.