Founder and Managing Director of Animations at Creele Animation Studios, Nissi Ogulu, has announced the release of the outfit’s debut 3D animated short film, The Satchel. Created by Creele Animation Studios and Taeps Animation Studios, the action-packed, drama-filled short film was produced by Nissi Ogulu, Adeoyin Okuboyejo, Ayobami Bello and Jimi Oremule and it is based on the Yoruba mythology of earth’s creation.
The story of The Satchel dates back thousands of years, featuring revered Yoruba deities, Obatala and Oduduwa, (sons of Olodumare, the supreme being), who battle for the power to create earth using an all-powerful Satchel.
According to Director and Producer, Nissi Ogulu, “With The Satchel, we want to start telling authentic African stories to ensure that our magnificent culture is preserved and that we portray the beauty of African culture, lifestyle and music in the concept, character designs, scenes, visual screenplay, art and music direction. The film is one rich with African themes, suitable for all age groups, is relatable and draws a strong connection to home. Many of us in my generation grew up consuming a lot of foreign pictures, we weren’t privileged to watch content made up from characters of African descent and this vacuum is what we’re trying to fill starting with our debut project.”
The writer of the story, Jimi Oremule, hinted that the story centres on what happens to The Satchel from the moment it is presented to Obatala to how it ends up with Oduduwa.
“The passion and power of each deity comes out in their actions, behaviour to one another and for what the satchel can do,” says Oremule.
Staying true to the Creele Animation Studios’ culture of infusing music with art, Ogulu brings to life the sophisticated 3D animated motion pictures through her music by lacing the film with two beautifully written songs titled Adupe & Wonderful, both of which are set to be fan favourites. The short film can be viewed on The Satchel’s official YouTube page. Those interested in following the conversation can do so on @creelestudio, @taepsstudios, @TheSatchel2020.
