Ugandan is directing Uganda's first animated film for Disney

Disney World Pulse Live Uganda

It involves animators in different African countries producing a series of futuristic African animations which will run on Disney's television streaming service.

The official statement from Disney indicates that the animation media giant showcases the talent and creativity of African animators across the continent.

Disney characters Pulse Live Uganda

Malinga is in the final stages of working on his film for the project and believes this is a chance for Africans to tell African stories.

"We're changing the African narrative, come to put it that way, the very typical stories that have been coming out of Africa about the negative aspects of Africa. And what we're doing is, we are giving a new spin on that, and giving you all a taste of what African storytellers and film makers are actually capable of, and what the African narrative could be, and will be,” he said.

Some of the African toon characters Pulse Live Uganda

Malinga previously made “A Kalabanda Ate My Homework”, a short film which was something of a minor classic.

Malinga, who is the brain behind Creatures Animation Studio, says Disney carried out an elaborate scouting project in order to arrive at his inclusion in this project. Out of the 70 people who submitted ideas, only 10 were chosen.

“There was a call in 2020 for directors and other creatives who had a story to tell across Africa. It was done through Triggerfish Animation Studios (South Africa) and we applied, shared a couple of ideas which we thought were good for telling an African story,” he adds.

Michael Paull, the president of Disney Streaming, said this project is aimed at bringing the work of a fresh crop African filmmakers to Disney.

Michael Paull, the president of of Disney Streaming Pulse Live Uganda

“In addition to delivering thrilling animation for fans of all ages, this collection of 10 original films taps into the Afrofuturism phenomenon which was turbo-charged by Marvel’s Black Panther and reflects Disney’s ongoing commitment to partnering with leading global talent to tell the stories of the world from fresh and authentic points of view,” Paull said.

This project will give Malinga a new lease on life as a producer and animator and will have the knock-on effect of opening doors for other filmmakers in Uganda.