The Animation School

🎨 ROAD TO ANNECY | Proof That Great Stories Keep Moving Forward
The journey doesn't end at graduation—it evolves.
Congratulations to Peter Tshangase, a 2025 Johannesburg alumnus of The Animation School, on receiving NFVF funding to attend Annecy International Animation Film Festival & MIFA 2026.
Peter's Character Concept & Story Pitch secured his place among South Africa's emerging animation talent selected for this prestigious international opportunity.
Seeing our graduates continue to achieve recognition beyond the classroom is a testament to the passion, dedication, and creative excellence that drive our industry forward.
We can't wait to see where Peter's creative journey leads next.

🎨 ROAD TO ANNECY | Every Great Character Starts with an Idea
Big ideas. Bold characters. Global opportunities.
Congratulations to Wendy Visser, a 3rd-year student at The Animation School Cape Town, who has received NFVF funding to attend Annecy International Animation Film Festival & MIFA 2026.
Wendy's Character Concept & Story Pitch stood out among submissions, earning her the chance to showcase South African creativity on one of the animation industry's most prestigious international stages.
Behind every memorable animated world is a powerful story waiting to be told. Wendy's achievement is a reminder that great concepts can open doors across the globe.
We're excited to follow her journey as she takes another step toward a future in the international animation industry.

This Youth Day, we celebrate the bold ideas, creativity and passion of our students — the storytellers shaping tomorrow’s animation industry.

Every sketch, every frame and every late-night render is part of a journey driven by imagination and purpose.

To the young creators finding their voice and bringing new worlds to life: this is your time.

Keep creating. Keep growing. Keep telling stories only you can tell.

🎬 ROAD TO ANNECY | From Classroom Frames to Global Screens
From Johannesburg to the world's biggest animation stage!
Congratulations to Jone’ Donovan, a 3rd-year student at The Animation School Johannesburg, on receiving NFVF funding to attend Annecy International Animation Film Festival & MIFA 2026.
Jone’ earned this incredible opportunity through a standout short animated scene submission, demonstrating the creativity, storytelling, and technical skill that continue to define the next generation of South African animators.
As Annecy approaches, we're proud to see our students representing South Africa on an international platform and sharing their creative voices with the global animation industry.
The journey from classroom projects to international recognition starts with a single frame. Keep creating, keep pushing boundaries, and keep dreaming big.

🎬 ROAD TO ANNECY BEGINS ✨
This year, legendary filmmaker Brad Bird will be unveiling footage from his highly anticipated new film, Ray Gunn, at Annecy. Known for iconic works that have inspired generations of animators, his words remind us that living a real life matters.
As we count down to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, we're taking inspiration from the artists and storytellers shaping the future of animation.
It's up to us people.
🎞️ Follow along on our journey.

Our friends Sunrise Animation Studios (home to many of our incredible graduates) produced an absolutely phenomenal film last year, called David.
David is now streaming on Netflix, and this is a call to action to the entire TAS community, students, graduates and our extended industry family alike. Sunrise has spent decades investing in South African talent, creating opportunities for artists, storytellers and animators. They have shown up for their community time and time again. Now it's our turn to show up for them.
So, stream David. Tell your friends. Tell your family. Get your pets involved if necessary. (swipe to the side to see a TAS staff member's pet watching David for the 6th time to help the cause 😄).
Let's rally behind local animation and help get David back where it belongs: #1 on Netflix South Africa.
Show up for your tribe. Show up for local animation.

🐣✨ EARLY BIRD SPECIAL NOW OPEN ✨🐣

Why wait until the last minute when you can apply early and save?

Applicants who register for our Full-Time Diploma in Digital Animation on or before 31 August 2026 will qualify to:

💸 Study in 2027 while paying 2026 tuition fees – saving up to R7 000.

That means you can lock in your studies at a lower rate while securing your place for next year.

If you’ve been thinking about a future in animation, character design, storytelling, or VFX — this is your sign to apply early and save. 🎨🎬

📍 Study in-contact or online
📩 Applications are open now: https://bit.ly/3Rubqw2

T&Cs apply.

From Africa to the world's biggest screens.

Our third-year students recently had the privilege of receiving feedback on their films from Sidney Kombo, Senior Animator at Wētā FX.
His insights, experience, and encouragement provided valuable guidance for our students as they continue developing their craft.
We're proud to celebrate not only Sidney's incredible achievements, but also the growing impact of African talent within the global animation industry.
Thank you, Sidney, for inspiring the next generation of animators.