University collaboration

EXPLORING THE GENDERED IMPACT OF WAR - INSIGHTS FROM THE LEFT BEHIND ANIMATED SHORT

A groundbreaking cross-cultural collaboration between Animation undergraduate students from the Technical University of Kenya and postgraduate students, from St. Martins University in the UK.

Animation Production entitled: Left Behind

“Left Behind” is an emotional voyage through East African history, that pays tribute to the unyielding spirit and sacrifices of those African unsung heroes of war called the Kariokor or Carrier Corps porters. The narrative is an attempt to memorialize the heroes and preserve their legacy for generations to come. The production is based on a fictional script based on real events.

Context

The Left Behind narrative is visual animated story that brings together the creative work of student animators and lecturers from two partnering post-colonial universities. This unique collaboration showcases the fusion of cultural perspectives, artistic talents, and shared aspirations to craft a captivating animated journey designed to resonate with audiences worldwide. This historical, humanitarian project was commissioned by the esteemed Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), who entrusted the departments of Design in both institutions with the important task of commemorating the profound stories within the World War Cemetery, located at the Ngong Forest Reserve in Nairobi, Kenya.