Ghana’s award-winning ‘Yamina’ animation getting global attention
An original animated film ‘Yamina (The African Warrior Princess),’ by Ghanaian-Canadian filmmaker Gabriel Odartei, gained international attention after winning the Best Animation award at the inaugural France Africa USA International Film Festival (FAUIFF).
The event, held from August 7–12, 2025, at the Arcades Cinema in Cannes, France, celebrated the work of African, diaspora, and global filmmakers. The film, executive directed and co-produced by Gabriel Odartei through his Toronto-based video and animation company, MAKU Productions, dedicated to telling diverse and underrepresented stories.
Yamina follows a fierce warrior princess who embodies strength and empowerment. Rooted in African mythology, the animation merges fantasy, history, and adventure to celebrate African heritage and identity. The project serves as both a stand-alone film and the pilot for a planned animated series.
Odartei’s recognition at the festival marks a growing appreciation for African-Canadian talent in international cinema. He also participated in a panel discussion highlighting the role of African storytelling in animation and the importance of cultural representation on screen.
The animated film later went on to win the Best Animation award at the 10th anniversary edition of the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) on September 29 in Accra, Ghana. It was recognized for its “creativity, striking visuals, and powerful storytelling.”
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for making all of this possible. This award is a testament that anything is possible with faith, hard work, and persistence,” Odartei said at FAUIFF.
He credited producer Dr. Enoch Arhinful, co-producer Mr. Kwame Amoateng, animation director Ananda Anim-Appiah, the team at Wonderworld Studios, and the film’s voice actors and crew for their contributions.
“I am also deeply grateful to my incredible team who brought this vision to life—special thanks to the producer of the film Dr. Enoch Arhinful, Co-Producer Mr. Kwame Amoateng, our animation team at Wonderworld Studios, Animation Director Ananda Anim-Appiah, and the talented voice actors and crew who dedicated their skills and passion to this project,” he mentioned.
This November, Yamina will be making its Caribbean Debut at the Anime Caribe film festival in Trinidad and Tobago. An animation festival dedicated to creating spaces for voices and stories the world rarely get to see.
With its success in France Africa USA International Film Festival, and the Black Star International Film Festival, Yamina is now positioned for broader distribution and the development of a full animated series; a promising step forward for African storytelling on the global stage.
Written by Oral Ofori
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
