Iwájú
Iwájú released on Disney+ on 28th Feb 2024, the result of a historic collaboration by Cinesite, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali. The first outside studio to work on a Disney animation project, we are immensely proud of the six-episode series.
Iwájú loosely translates to “the future” in the Yoruba language. It is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds.
The Disney Animation team was led by Christina Chen (producer) and Marlon West (VFX supervisor), under the supervision of Disney Animation’s chief creative officer Jennifer Lee. Cinesite’s production team was led by Joel MacDonald (producer) and Ellen Poon (VFX supervisor).
Discussions started back in 2021 with the founders of the Pan-African Entertainment Company Kugali – Iwájú director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku and production designer Hamid Ibrahim.
Reviews
“Vibrant, jewel-toned animation”
– The Guardian
“One of the most beautiful landscapes on television”
– The Guardian
“The environment and characters are colourful and inviting. The biggest plus point of the series is the animation of the characters.”
– Times Now News
“Everything from the vastness of Lagos to Tunde eating bread is fluid and eye-catching.”
– Screenrant
“Top-notch animation”
– Screengrab
“Iwájú is both uniquely African, and yet universal in its appeal…”
– ABC News
“Afrofuturism at its best.”
– Review
