Substance and Structure of Animation Films in Kenya: A Study of Selected Films
Loading...
Date
2019-11
Authors
Ogutu, Raphael Nakhumbi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study investigates the substance and structure of animation films in Kenya.
Specifically it focuses on thematic analysis of Kenyan animation films narratives
representations through artistic styles, using techniques like mise-en-scene, montage,
narrative styles, non-diegesis, and diegesis. The analysis focused on communicative
artistic form and dominant themes of social, political and cultural issues addressed by
Kenyan animators, writers, and producers. The analysis of animation films from Kenya
include: The legends of Ngong hills film (Bunitv 2011), films sampled from Tinga Tinga
tales series: why lion roars, why chicken pecks the ground and why lizard hides under the
rocks (Homeboyz Animation- first episode 2011), Greedy lords of the Jungle, Africa’s
next top poet, Shadowboxing, Driving test, Miss match, Lunchtime woes, Savannah
drama, Two olds (RECON-Digital 2009-2012), and Wageuzi Battle 2012 (Afrikana
Digital 2011). This study also analysed advertisements about FAIBA Episode 2 caveman
series, and Safaricom Sambaza (Fat boy Animations). The study addresses four key
issues; the stylistic features employed by animators, animators’ use of particular
communicative forms as opposed to others in addressing specific social, political,
economic, and cultural issues in Kenya, audiences’ interpretation of the sampled Kenyan
animation films, and themes of social and cultural issues addressed by Kenyan animators/
writers/producers through animation films. The study employs mixed research method;
however, the qualitative design is the dominant approach used. The design comprises
library research, thematic content analysis of selected films, focus group discussions, and
in-depth interviews with selected primary school pupils, parents and filmmakers. Three
theoretical perspectives, Social Cognitive Theory, the Conventionalist theory of pictorial
representation, and the Neo-representation theory guided the analysis of this study. The
study findings show that the Kenyan filmmakers create short experimental animation
films, which focus on advertising because of its good financial returns. Kenyan animation
filmmakers’ stylistic features employed, varies from animator to animator, however, the
3D animation technique is the most popular among them. Foreign animations influence
children positively and negatively. The main thesis is that Kenyan animation filmmakers
create film narratives on issues about the Kenyan society at large. Film animators in
Kenya use both deliberate and envisaged efforts as an avenue of addressing as an avenue
of addressing Greed, selfishness, Deception, and political power; Confidence in life’s
challenges; Bravery, betrayal, and love; Persuasion, success and enjoyment, among
others. There are popular animation characters that appeal to children, in terms of artistic
character representation and storylines. This is dependent on showing animation film
character’s ability to cope with social challenges and his or her physical attractiveness,
and as a result, an establishment of parasocial relationship. Hence animation films serve
as a platform which the Kenyan filmmaker can express themselves about issues in the
Kenyan society. The study is significant in that it provides an applicable model in studies
of animation films and the many socio-cultural situations of national importance.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted to the School of Creative and Performing Arts, Film and Media Studies in Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of The Degree of Doctor O\of Philosophy (Film Studies) of Kenyatta University, November 2019
Keywords
Substance, Structure, Animation Films, Kenya