Lola Aikins
Director of Animated Films — Tshimologong Precinct
Lola Aikins is a director of animated films, visual development artist and 2D animator whose work centers on authentic African aesthetics in animation. She is currently directing her first professional short film, Naledi, whose trailer won Best Animation at the 2023 Fak’ugesi Awards.
Alongside directing, Aikins specialises in environment design and visual development, bringing a strong artistic perspective to storytelling for animation. Her work reflects a commitment to building a distinct identity for animation emerging from Africa through stories and imagery rooted in representation.
At SACC, Aikins will join Women Leading the Narrative Shift and Funding the Impossible - Crowdfunding & Alternative Financing for Shorts, where she will share insights on creating original animated work and navigating alternative paths to finance short films.