Yamina (The African Warrior Princess), an original animated film has been officially selected and screened at the first edition of the France Africa USA International Film Festival, held in Cannes, France, from August 7–12, 2025, at the Arcades Cinema. The groundbreaking film not only captivated audiences but was also honored with the Best Animation Award, a major recognition of its cultural impact, storytelling, and artistic excellence.
Executive directed and co-produced by Gabriel Odartei under his production company MAKU Productions, Yamina is both a stand-alone animated film and the pilot for a planned series. The story follows Yamina, a fierce African warrior princess who embodies strength, resilience, and empowerment, while celebrating African heritage through a rich blend of fantasy, history, and adventure.
The inaugural edition of the festival created a platform to spotlight African, African-diaspora, and international filmmakers, and Mr. Odartei’s success highlights the growing recognition of African-Canadian talent in global cinema. In addition to receiving the Best Animation Award, Mr. Odartei also participated in a panel discussions at the festival, sharing insights on the importance of African storytelling in animation and cultural representation in media.
Reflecting on the achievement, Odartei expressed his gratitude: “First and foremost, I want to thank God for making all of this possible. This award is a testament that anything is possible with faith, hard work, and persistence. I am also deeply grateful to my incredible team who brought this vision to life—special thanks to producer Enoch Arhinful, co-producer Kwame Amoateng, our animation team at Wonderworld Studios, Animation Director Ananda Anim-Appiah, and the talented voice actors and crew who dedicated their skills and passion to this project.”
Mr Odartei also acknowledged the Ontario Arts Council for the support his trip to France and their impact in the creative arts in the province of Ontario, Canada.
With this achievement, Yamina: The African Warrior Princess is now positioned for broader distribution opportunities, paving the way for the development of the full animated series.
About MAKU Productions
MAKU Productions is a Toronto-based video and animation company founded by Gabriel Odartei. Dedicated to telling diverse and underrepresented stories, the company produces original films, animated series, educational content, and community-centered projects.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
