The Alliance Française de Banjul presents a cross-residency program in partnership with Gobelins School, welcoming Gambian designer Batch Samba Njie alongside artists Aminata Khoussa and Françoise Le Brusque for a collaborative animation project.
Batch Samba Njie, 27, is a Gambian graphic designer, 2D animator, and video editor. He is the founder of BsDESIGN STUDIO, a creative studio based in The Gambia, specializing in design, animation, and print production.
In 2023, his studio made history by producing the very first Gambian 2D animation series to be broadcast on national television. Through his work, Batch aims to preserve culture, raise awareness of social issues, and inspire a new generation of African creatives.
This cross-residency is part of a collaboration with Gobelins School, one of France’s most prestigious institutions in the field of visual arts. Founded in 1975, Gobelins is internationally renowned for its programs in animation, graphic design, interactive design, and photography. It trains the next generation of creative industry talents and works closely with leading animation studios around the world.
During the residency, Batch Samba Njie will work closely with Aminata Khoussa and Françoise Le Brusque, creating a unique intercultural dialogue around the art of animation. The program is designed to encourage knowledge exchange, blending traditional and contemporary techniques, diverse cultural approaches, and complementary artistic visions.
By bringing together French and Gambian perspectives on animation, this project aims to build lasting bridges between creative communities and contribute to the global visibility of African animation.
The final presentation of the collaborative work will give Gambian audiences the opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes of animated creation and to engage with the contemporary challenges of this dynamic art form.