Animation
World Magazine, Issue 3.1, April 1998
Atelier Graphoui: Lending a Voice
by Tania Nasielski
Images and sound, of dreams and of
reality...
Drawings, sculptures, paper cut-outs
Which take form, come to life, speak in music or in words.
At Atelier Graphoui, we combine the plastic arts and sound
design in the animated films we create and produce. We use audiovisual
techniques and language to allow those who do not usually have the opportunity
of voicing their opinions, to express themselves. Working with artists,
adults and children, we encounter different peoples and cultures and produce
films to reveal their points of view, their creativity and living experiences.
In "The Hamdallaye Studios:
Animated Films by Villagers," Aline Moens
relates her experiences in Africa while Christian Coppin discusses the
drug awareness film that linked Bolivia with Europe in "Animated Coca: Understanding the Little Leaf."
Our History
In 1979, three animation experts set up Atelier Graphoui. The team
expanded rapidly and film production diversified to include not only animated
films, but documentaries, commercial advertisements, film series, and films
using a mixture of techniques. Since we began, Atelier Graphoui has produced
more than 120 films.
In March 1988, our workshop's artists traveled to Africa for the first
time. Various other trips to Africa followed and led to the production
of films. In 1989, the Graphoui team decided to focus on artistic projects
and to use audiovisual techniques to give those who had something to say
the opportunity to express themselves. Animation training and introductory
workshops are organized in Belgium and abroad. They are aimed at children,
adolescents, adults, socio-cultural facilitators and groups who are interested
in the audiovisual arts. Each creative workshop ends with the production
of one or several films.
In 1994, Atelier Graphoui was recognized as a NGO (non-governmental organization)
for the projects carried out in developing countries. We provide training
and an introduction to the techniques of animation, filming, production
and distribution, plus, we provide the use of equipment.
Branching Out
Today, while continuing with our creative work, film production and
training, Graphoui is in the process of setting up independent audiovisual
production units in Africa. Within the context of our projects, we continue
to reflect on the language of cinema and the role audiovisual arts play
in cultural expression in general. We have developed a great number of
partnerships and handle the international distribution of all our films
within a network of cinemas and television channels, as well as festivals
where the films have been awarded many prizes.
Atelier Graphoui is equipped with 16 mm and 35 mm frame by frame cameras,
animation stands, 16 mm and 35 mm editing tables, video editing benches,
computerized editing systems, as well as a fully-equipped sound studio.
The seven member team handles the entire production process, from the moment
a film or project is planned through its distribution.
The Team
Genevieve Antoine: Administration, production follow-up, distribution
Christian Coppin: Sound unit, director
Jacques Faton: Director
Fabrice Jacqmin: Financial management, accounts
Aline Moens: Children's workshops, director
Tania Nasielski: Co-ordination, production, communication
Patrick Theunen: Technical aspects, director
Note: Readers may contact any Animation World Magazine contributor by sending an email to editor@awn.com.
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