Kelvin Shani bags the Netflix/Gobelin Master's Scholarship
Recipients of the joint initiative by Netflix and Gobelins to foster new animation talent in Africa will be attending a two-year master's program in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking
Kelvin Shani, a seasoned illustrator and the founder of SirNare Animation Studios; a Kenya-based animation studio, earlier today announced he is a recipient of the Netflix/Gobelins Master's Scholarship, a two-year master's program in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking.
In his announcement, he wrote; “Exciting News Alert! Hey everyone, I'm thrilled to share some amazing news with you! I've been selected as one of the fortunate 6 Africans to be awarded the prestigious Netflix/Gobelins Master's Scholarship!”
The GOBELINS/NETFLIX scholarship opportunity for African Animators was announced earlier this year. The open call announcement stated, “Netflix Grow Creative and GOBELINS are offering six Master scholarships for students from the African continent for the September 2023 intake as part of their joint efforts to increase the pipeline of new Animation talent in Africa. The scholarships will benefit six students who will successfully be admitted to GOBELINS' Master of Arts in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking.”
With a history of working on landmark projects such as the recently released Disney Plus 'Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire', Kelvin has shown his commitment to the African animation industry.
The six recipients of the scholarship - which is a joint initiative by Netflix and Gobelins to foster new animation talent in Africa - will be attending a two-year master's program in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking at the Paris St. Marcel campus.
Kelvin wrote in his announcement, “Big shoutout to my awesome team at Sirnare Studios for their unwavering support during this transition. My friends and family for their encouragement. As well as The Association of Animation Artists Kenya office for their support.”
“Also, a massive thank you to Bertil Svanekiaer and Lesego Vorster, both alumni of the school, who guided me throughout the application process. I met Bertil at The Trojan Horse was a Unicorn festival in 2022 and Lesego at the Kizazi Moto project.
“I can't express enough how thankful I am to Netflix and Gobelins for this precious gift. This scholarship is not just a chance; it's a golden ticket to achieving my dreams. As I prepare to embark on this educational journey, my heart is filled with excitement!
“The prospect of mastering the art of crafting animated films and weaving captivating stories ignites my sense of purpose and determination. This scholarship is a stepping stone toward realizing my dreams, and I'm fully committed to making the most of it.
“My mission is clear: to use the knowledge and skills I gain to make a significant impact in the animation industry within Kenya and across Africa.
“Stay tuned for this incredible adventure!” he wrote.
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