Shofela Coker’s “Moremi” Scores Triple Nominations at 51st Annie Awards

Chinalurumogu EzeJanuary 19, 20241 Mins read458

Shofela Coker, the Nigerian animation filmmaker, has secured three nominations for the 51st Annie Awards.

His Yoruba animation, “Moremi,” the fifth chapter of the 10-part Kizazi Moto series on Disney Plus, has garnered recognition in the categories of Best Direction, Best Character Animation, and Best FX TV/Media.

The winners will be unveiled during the awards ceremony on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles.

The Disney original, crafted by animators from Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt, embarks on an adventurous narrative deeply rooted in Africa. It explores themes such as technological advancement, aliens, spirits, and monsters.

Co-authored by Vanessa Kanu, the Moremi episode narrates the story of Luo, a solitary spirit boy confined in a realm haunted by formidable giants. Moremi, voiced by Nigerian actress Kehinde Bankole, emerges as his rescuer—a particle physicist from Nigeria who aids him in rediscovering lost memories.

Premiering at the Zuma Festival in Abuja on December 4, 2023, Moremi later had its premiere at the Filmhouse Landmark Cinemas, Lagos, on December 6, 2023, in collaboration with the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Additionally, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire received a nomination in the Children and Youth category at the international Rose d’Or awards ceremony, held on November 27, 2023, at the King’s Palace ino London.