Category: Workshop
Creating an Animated Film with Artificial Intelligence – Workshop for Children
This five-day workshop offers a playful and creative introduction to animated filmmaking using artificial intelligence. Inspired by SIRA – Guardian of the Balance, an Afrofuturist film project entirely created with AI tools, the workshop invites children to explore how powerful and visually striking stories can be told with minimal resources but plenty of imagination. The goal is to democratize access to digital creative tools for young participants and show them that technology can be a powerful ally to their creativity. Each child will leave with hands-on experience in visual storytelling—and the pride of having co-created a collective artwork.
In this four-day workshop, Bonface Wahome will introduce the basics of stop-motion animation by building simple sets using arts and crafts, along with everyday objects. Participants will learn how to bring their ideas to life through photos, movement, and sound. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have created a short animated story—developing their storytelling and filmmaking skills in a fun and imaginative way.
Charmaine Ruvimbo Mujeri will work with at least 13 children aged 8 to 13 to strengthen their acting skills. Day one of the workshop will focus on physical and vocal warm-ups to relax and energize the group, followed by an introduction to script analysis. Day two will explore character development and emotional truth. On day three, participants will dive deeper into script analysis and scene study. The final day will be dedicated to presenting their work in a performance.
This introductory Virtual Reality workshop will help participants develop creativity, teamwork, and digital skills. Children will learn how to use a 360° camera and create simple scenes filmed in the school playground. Together, they will edit the VR video, which can later be used by the school for communication purposes (e.g., website or open house).
Designing marionettes follows a specific process. First, clay pieces are crafted to serve as molds. Then, the designs are shaped using paper to form the marionettes. Ousséni Zongo, who leads the workshop, will teach students how to strengthen their characters using colorful paints and finishing techniques.
Bonface Wahome Maina is a self-taught stop-motion artist from Kenya whose work explores Africa’s rich history and heritage. Driven by a deep passion for storytelling, he weaves historical events into his animations, creating visual narratives that celebrate African identity. His dedication to preserving and presenting cultural memory through stop-motion has earned him multiple accolades, including two awards from the German Embassy in Kenya and one from the Alliance Française in Nairobi. Bonface captures and edits his projects using a smartphone, showcasing the creative possibilities that accessible technology offers in modern animation.
Charmaine Ruvimbo Mujeri is an accomplished actor, writer, and theatre director with over 15 years of experience. She was nominated for an AMMA in 2020 for her role in the award-winning film Mirage, and is widely recognized for her performance in CookOff, the first Zimbabwean film on Netflix. Her stage credits include Macbeth, The Convert, Lovers in Time, and Zuva Crumbling, earning her multiple NAMA nominations. In 2023, she won Best Actress at the Reps Theatre Awards for her role in Medea, and Best Actress in a Feature Film for Ngoda. Passionate about Zimbabwean culture and spirituality, she has performed at HIFA, Shoko Festival, and the International Images Film Festival. She has worked with ICAPA Trust, contributed to the anthology Breaking the Silence, and was appointed Director of the James Curry Society in 2023.
Diallo Belko Salman is a young doctor from Burkina Faso with a passion for technological innovation, particularly virtual reality. In 2019, he co-founded the Faso E-Sport association to promote e-sports while integrating educational, social, and cultural dimensions of new technologies.
His career path combines medicine, community engagement, and a deep interest in innovation. He embodies a modern vision of the role of healthcare professionals and active citizens alike.
He advocates for the intelligent and inclusive integration of digital tools in education, culture, and healthcare. His humanist approach to technology makes him an invaluable voice in the discussion around the social uses of virtual reality in Burkina Faso.
Zongo Ousseni is a puppeteer and president of the Boromo Puppet Association. For several years, he has been dedicated to sharing his passion for street arts both in Burkina Faso and internationally. Ousseni is also committed to passing on his skills to younger generations. He regularly leads training sessions within his association, teaching puppet design using local materials such as clay and paper salvaged from cement bags.
Saran Sidibé
Saran Sidibé is a digital strategy consultant, AI content creator, and trainer. She specializes in two complementary areas: content creation with artificial intelligence and strategic support for companies undergoing digital transformation.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communication and is currently pursuing a master’s in the same field, driven by a strong interest in technological innovations applied to digital marketing.
With over four years of experience, she founded Digital Addict, a consulting firm that helps brands and entrepreneurs build a strong, consistent, and high-performing digital presence. She develops custom strategies that combine social media, content marketing, and AI tools.