The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has congratulated Shofela Coker on her Annie Award nominations for Moremi Monday, February 12, 2024.
Three nominations for the 2024 Annie Awards have been made for Coker, who directed an episode of the anime series Kizazi Moto. The nominees are for Best FX, Best Character Animation, and Best Direction.
The message by the Ministry claims that the nomination has an impact on the Nigerian entertainment sector as a whole, not just on one individual. especially considering that, since the awards ceremony’s inception fifty years ago, Coker is the first Nigerian nominee.
“His historic feat as the first Nigerian to receive nominations at the Annie Awards, and as the first African to secure three nominations, is truly groundbreaking. This monumental moment not only marks a proud milestone for Nigerian animation but also shines a spotlight on the remarkable talent within the sector,” the ministry said.
The fifth installment of the ten-part sci-fi animation series is modeled after Moremi. It narrates the tale of Luo, a lonely spirit boy who is imprisoned in a spirit world and tormented by grotesque giants. Moremi, a particle physicist from Nigeria (voiced by actress Kehinde Bankole), saves him and helps him regain memories.
Moremi made its debut in Nigeria on December 4, 2023, at the Zuma Festival in Abuja. On December 6, 2023, it made its debut in association with the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) at the Filmhouse Landmark Cinemas in Lagos.
In addition, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire received a nomination in the Children and Youth category for the Rose d’Or Award, which was presented at the King’s Palace in London on November 27, 2023.