Visionary women take centre stage at animation conference

Scores of students from all age groups, professionals and animation enthusiasts attended the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 and heard from three visionary women who led a panel discussion "Women in Animation: Leading Change & Shaping the Future."

- Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Moderated by Paris-based cultural strategist Mounia Aram, the panel hosted Nigerian powerhouse Damilola Solesi, Ghanaian-British disruptor Comfort Arthur, and Kenya-based storyteller Sarah Mallia, all ready to challenge the industry's status quo.

From Lagos to Nairobi, London to Accra, their origin stories spoke of resilience, cultural reclamation, and unapologetic ambition, proving that animation is far more than moving images and is about moving perceptions.

Sarah Mallia, co-founder of Nairobi-based Pungulu Pa Productions and Freehand Movement, shared an unconventional path.

A communications specialist for charities and UN agencies, she spent years commissioning animations for social causes. "I saw how storytelling could drive change, but I wanted to create those stories," she said. Partnering with her husband, a comic artist and animator, she launched her studio, blending her advocacy background with his creative expertise.

Mallia spoke about collaboration as key to dismantling industry barriers, but women need to trust in their own strength too.