Over The Wall

Hi, I am David, 19 turning 20 this year, and I am from Cape Coast, Ghana, West Africa. I remember when I was a little child and whenever I was in school, my behavior was termed, “weird”. I didn’t understand what my friend meant by that, because I just acted who I was. I had been influenced a lot with animation from childhood, and with parents who never talked against my behavior, but seeing it as one of a kind, they let me choose what I really wanted to do.
My school days were terrible, with my friends ridiculing me for acting like a “cartoon”. I would often cry and ask my parents if there was anything wrong with me. Then they would assure me that I am perfect just the way I am. After Junior High, with a 6-month to 1 year break, I decided to lock myself in my house and study animation fully. Time came for us to enter Senior High (I believe it is termed,, over at your end.) and I was mortified that my grades did not meet the standard of everyone, so my parents came up with an idea of going to a technical school. I was very sad about it, because, over here in Ghana, technical schools are rather for those who are deemed unintelligent. Upon further persuasion from my parents and my mom assuring me that it will be the best experience for me, I agreed, and I couldn’t be more happier! Everyone finally accepted me for acting differently, and finally, I had the opportunity to display my animation talent. I made my first animation advertisement about an automatic lighting system, EcoLight, we called it, and guess what. We won first place! That was when I knew, that animation was meant for me, and I for it. I was also able to act as an intern in a community television station, Coastal Television, in Cape Coast.
Senior High was almost over and it was time to find a College to attend, but I knew of none that taught Animation as a major. My father, being dedicated to my joy, went out of his way and found NAFTI, National Film And Television Institute, and I couldn't be more overjoyed. Time finally came for my results, and with that, my dad and I went over to NAFTI to see if I could take part in the Animation. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take part in the Degree program because the technical examination certificate, NAPTEX, cannot be used to join the programme. Luckily, there was an alternative, a Certificate/Diploma programme, which would be a 26-week programme for Certificate, and 52-week programme for Diploma. We decided to sign up for the Certificate programme, and went ahead to look for sponsorship, which we got. The training was AMAZING! I learnt so much and I got so excited when we had to make a final production for everyone to watch. When my turn came, and my work was being previewed, I was so excited, and when the show was over, everyone started applauding me. For the first time in a long while, since my first animation I did in Senior High, I felt accomplished. Everyone was so happy and just kept on congratulating me for a good job done. The panel congratulated us for a good job done, and they were very surprised at how far we have all come.
Finally attachment/internship came, and another milestone for me was reached. My animation colleagues and I went to the same place for our attachment, at Parables Studios, an animation studio based in Accra. Giving it my all, I made my work and it turned out amazing. As I write this, it’s my proudest work.
Fortunately, I gained sponsorship again to continue unto the Diploma course and had my final animation accessed on Thursday, August 31, 2017, and it’s been a joy doing what I love.