A new wave of East African storytelling is making its mark on the global animation scene with the premiere of “Cartoons from the Source of the Nile,” a vibrant series of animated short films created by young Ugandan animators trained in collaboration with GOBELINS Paris and supported by the French Embassy in Uganda.
The series, which officially premiered on April 25, 2025, is the culmination of the East African Animation Boot Camp, a regional initiative aimed at nurturing homegrown talent and amplifying African stories through animation.
The films were developed under the creative guidance of international mentors, including acclaimed animation director Master Rui, and were produced by KATOTO Cartoons in partnership with Wakaliwood, the legendary grassroots film studio based in Wakaliga.
Each film in the anthology captures authentic East African experiences—from folklore and social commentary to modern-day challenges and humorous tales—all told through the imaginative lens of young animators who call the region home.
Among the creators is Jay Joseph, a character animator who shared a moving anecdote at the premiere: “One of the guys we trained with came in as a Glovo delivery rider. He got so inspired watching the sessions that he joined the boot camp—and today, he’s one of the credited animators. That’s the power of stories and opportunity.”
The initiative was made possible with critical support from the French Embassy in Uganda, which facilitated the participation of Ugandan animators in intensive training sessions at GOBELINS Paris, one of the world’s most prestigious animation schools.
“This collaboration showcases the creative potential of Uganda’s youth and underscores the power of international partnerships in fostering cultural exchange and artistic growth,” said the French Embassy on X. “We are proud to be part of a project that empowers East African voices through animation.”
The “Cartoons from the Source of the Nile” series is being hailed as a landmark in Uganda’s creative industry, signalling a growing appetite for African-made animation that speaks directly to local audiences while resonating globally.
As the films gain traction both online and in local screenings, the creators hope this is just the beginning of a new animation movement rooted in East Africa.
