The official poster for the 2024 African Animation Film Festival (CANIMAF) has been proudly unveiled. It is the creation of the talented ATONZE NGUIMFACK Jordane, also known as Eken Jordan. This young Cameroonian graphic designer, who is also a skilled film editor and colorist, is steadily making his mark in the creative world, both in Cameroon and internationally.
In 2017, Jordane began his journey in the audiovisual field, driven by his passion for the industry. He first trained as a video editor, an important milestone in his career. Later, he had the opportunity to intern at Studio SOLF, where he not only honed his editing skills but also discovered his talent for graphic design. It was during this time that he developed a strong passion for visual storytelling and design, where he could combine technical expertise with creative vision. This experience led him to be invited by the late Dr. Dieudonné ALAKA to work on the visual elements for the 2020 edition of the Yaoundé Film Lab, now known as ALAKA Film Lab. This collaboration exposed him to renowned film professionals, including Jean-Marie Téno, who mentored him and helped broaden his vision and skills in cinema.
In 2021, Jordane reached a new milestone in his career when he joined the Patrimoines-Heritage project as an editor/graphic designer. During this experience, he edited his first documentary film, "Les fantômes de Sa'a," where his ability to tell stories through images was showcased. This project opened the doors to the world of cinema for him, where his versatility and technical prowess were recognized. In 2022, Jordane participated in the prestigious Impala project organized by the Ateliers Varan in partnership with Africa Doc Côte d'Ivoire and the ARDC. Through this training program, he traveled across Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire, further refining his documentary editing skills and deepening his expertise.
Since his beginnings, Eken Jordan has collaborated on numerous high-profile film projects and events, including the Yaoundé Film Lab, the Patrimoines-Heritage residency, and the Ateliers de Toumaï. He has also contributed his graphic design skills to organizations such as SUDU CONNEXION, a platform dedicated to promoting African cinema. His portfolio now includes a wide array of films, ranging from fiction to documentary, with titles such as "Agbé-Évé," "L'Œuvre de l'esprit," "Libre T," "Elongo-Elonga," "Gateway To Dreams," and "Ralliés." Each of these projects reflects his commitment to delivering captivating visual narratives, supported by impeccable editing and a unique graphic sensibility.
He works for SUDU CONNEXION and is a member of the organizing committee of the Les ateliers de Toumaï laboratory.
Regarding his CANIMAF 2024 poster design, we had the chance to ask him a few questions:
CANIMAF: Hello Jordane! Can you explain the symbolism behind the poster you created for this 4th edition of CANIMAF?
Jordane: Of course! The idea behind this poster is to represent the current state of the animation industry in Cameroon, which is still in its infancy. The Sahelian landscape I chose illustrates this early phase, where Cameroonian animation is just beginning to take shape. The desert symbolizes the fact that local productions are still few and far between, almost like counting trees in a barren land.
However, the stream running through the desert is a symbol of hope. To me, water represents life. It signifies the potential for growth and the opportunities that lie ahead for this young industry. This element embodies the creative energy needed to transform this barren landscape into one filled with greenery and life, with more productions and future success.
CANIMAF: And what about the festival mascot girls? What do they represent in this composition?
Jordane: The girls are a central element of the poster. Their joyful and spirited posture symbolizes unity and collective strength. They represent the youth and the future of Cameroonian animation. Their presence shows that despite the challenges, there is real dynamism, a collective energy pushing forward. They convey a message of optimism, solidarity, and joy—values that I believe will be essential for the growth of this industry.
Together, the desert, the water, and the mascots tell the story of this emerging industry, full of challenges but also opportunities, where every creator has the power to breathe life and creativity into it, shaping a flourishing future.
