"SLC-S25/W5-Movie Snapshots| Animated Magic (IWAJU)"

screenshot from the movie

Animated films are created using drawings, illustrations, or computer-generated images that are animated to show movement. Unlike live-action films that feature real actors and settings, animated films use a series of images displayed quickly to create the appearance of motion.

This storytelling method can be done in 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or hand-drawn techniques. Animation enables creators to design imaginative worlds, express feelings through stylized characters, and communicate complex ideas in a visually appealing manner. Animated films attract both kids and adults, often mixing entertainment with significant messages.

Studios like Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and Studio Ghibli have made famous animated films such as The Lion King, Toy Story, and Spirited Away. These films are praised for their creativity, voice performances, musical scores, and storytelling. Today, animation is a key part of global cinema and keeps evolving with technology and artistic creativity.

Iwájú is a six‑episode animated miniseries that premiered on February 28, 2024, streaming exclusively on Disney+ . It also had its world premiere in Lagos on February 28 at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX Lekki.

Production Team

– Director: Olufikayo “Ziki” Adeola
– Producer: Christina Chen (Disney Animation)
– Executive Producers: Jennifer Lee, Byron Howard
– Screenplay: Olufikayo Adeola & Halima Hudson; story by Adeola, Hamid Ibrahim & Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku
– Production Designer: Hamid Ibrahim; Cultural Consultant: Tolu Olowofoyeku; Composer: Ré Olunuga

Cast (Main Voice Actors)

– Tola Martins: Simisola Gbadamosi
– Kole Adesola: Siji Soetan

Series Details

– Runtime: Episodes range from 17 to 23 minutes each
– Languages: Primarily English, with Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba elements
– Companies: Walt Disney Animation Studios

Tola waking up on her birthday

Iwaju is an innovative animated series created through a partnership between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali Media, a Pan-African entertainment company.
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, Iwaju delves into themes of class, inequality, technology, and self-discovery.
The name Iwaju translates to "the future" in Yoruba, and the narrative presents a distinctive vision of Africa that merges culture, innovation, and adventure.

Tola baking	Baked snack

Tola flying around	Feeling excited

The series centers on a young girl named Tola and her best friend Kole, a tech-savvy boy from a less affluent area of the city.
Together, they navigate a divided society influenced by advanced technology and significant social disparities.
The plot is rich with African traditions, fashion, and language, providing a new viewpoint that is seldom showcased in mainstream animation.

Tola's birthday present

Tola in confusion

Iwaju represents a pivotal moment in animation history, being one of the first instances where Disney has collaborated with an African studio to create original content.
It has received acclaim for its genuine storytelling, Afro-futuristic visuals, and the emphasis it places on African voices and creativity.
By fusing traditional storytelling with futuristic environments, Iwaju not only entertains but also sparks discussions about progress, culture, and the importance of representation in global media.

Tola's best friend Kole

Tola and her dad

Tola's lizard activated	Tola with her kidnappers

My rating for this movie is 10/10

Iwájú mainly attracts older children (ages 8+), teenagers, and young adults, but it is crafted as a family-friendly series that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Here’s why:

1. Afro-futuristic Themes
   The futuristic setting of Lagos, along with advanced tech gadgets and smooth animation, captures the imagination of younger audiences, particularly teens who are interested in innovation and science fiction.

2. Relatable Characters
   The protagonists, Tola and Kole, are young and inquisitive—dealing with friendship, class differences, and the challenges of growing up. This reflects the real-life situations many kids and teens encounter.

Tola and her friend Kole

1. Social Issues with Depth
   Iwájú addresses significant topics such as social inequality, access to technology, and urban division in a way that provokes thought without being overly complicated. Older kids and teens can grasp the message while still enjoying the entertainment.

2. Representation
   For African and diasporic viewers in particular, the cultural references, accents, fashion, and languages feel genuine and empowering—allowing younger viewers to feel acknowledged.

3. Action & Adventure
   The mystery-driven storyline, paired with sci-fi elements and emotional narratives, keeps younger viewers captivated from one episode to the next.

In summary, Iwájú strikes a balance between meaningful content and high entertainment value, making it particularly attractive to the 8–18 age range.

Tola, Dad and Kole

What truly captivates me about Iwájú is its blend of home and the future. Witnessing familiar aspects of Lagos transformed with advanced technology filled me with pride and excitement. I resonated with Tola’s curiosity and Kole’s resolve—they reminded me of people I know or even parts of myself.

The narrative prompted me to reflect on how life varies based on one’s origins, yet how friendship and bravery can overcome any obstacle. I appreciated the fusion of Nigerian culture, language, and fashion—it felt authentic and motivating. Watching Iwájú instilled in me the belief that our own stories and cities can be just as impactful and enchanting as anything else in the world.

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