Championing African Stories Through Animation with Ferdy Adimefe

Author: Sele Got
Published: Mon 18 Aug 2025
Episode Link: https://thenaijafilmmaker.wpcomstaging.com/ferdy

This podcast episode features an enlightening conversation with Ferdy Adimefe, a prominent producer, creator, and educator, who is also the founder of Magic Carpet Studios. Central to our discussion is the exploration of his notable animation project, "The Passport of Mallam Ilia," which serves as a testament to his storytelling process that embraces African consciousness. We delve into the intricate journey of filmmaking, encompassing the challenges of securing rights, the nuances of fundraising, and the importance of collaboration within the creative industry. Adimefe emphasizes the significance of nurturing talent and fostering a diverse storytelling environment to propel the African animation sector forward. Our discussion ultimately reflects on the broader implications of these narratives in shaping the perception of African stories on the global stage.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

Ferdy discusses how the foundation of Magic Carpet Studios emerged from a desire to create immersive African stories through animation and gaming.
The importance of collaboration within the creative industries is highlighted, with Ferdy advocating for building relationships that foster collective growth among creators.
Ferdy's insights into the challenges of fundraising for animation projects reveal the complexities of securing financing in the African creative landscape.
Ferdy emphasises that African creators should focus on telling authentic stories that reflect their rich histories and cultures, rather than conforming to external narratives.

Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/wordsbyferdy/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wePT7aKdgPM

https://magiccarpet.studio/

https://www.instagram.com/iliathemovie/

https://www.instagram.com/magiccarpetstudios_/

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

https://thenaijafilmmaker.com/episode/chiomaonyenwe

https://thenaijafilmmaker.com/episode/creativeoge

https://thenaijafilmmaker.com/episode/danieloriahi

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