Tabby McTat animation:Emmy Award Win for South African Animation directors Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour – FASHION FORCE AFRICA MAG

Tabby McTat animation:Emmy Award Win for South African Animation directors Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour

South African directors Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour take home the International Emmy Award for Kids: Animation for their heartwarming film, Tabby McTat, based on the beloved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book.

South African Directors Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour Win International Emmy for Kids: Animation with Tabby McTat

A Purrfect Win: Tabby McTat Takes Home International Emmy Award

South African animation is making waves on the global stage! Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour, talented directors from Cape Town, have triumphed at the International Emmys, winning the coveted award for Kids: Animation with their charming film, Tabby McTat.

Based on the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tabby McTat tells the heartwarming story of a musical cat and his human companion, a talented busker named Fred. Their bond is put to the test when Fred suffers an accident, leaving Tabby alone on the bustling streets of London.

This victory marks a significant milestone for South African animation. It’s the second year in a row that a South African-directed film has won the International Emmy in the Kids: Animation category. Last year, Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler received the award for their adaptation of another Donaldson-Scheffler creation, The Smeds and The Smoos.

“Growing up you always dream of winning one of these awards but it seems so impossible,” Hamman shared his emotions. “We’re incredibly proud of the entire team and what we’ve achieved.” While they couldn’t attend the ceremony in New York due to scheduling conflicts, they expressed their hope to be present for future awards opportunities as Tabby McTat continues its journey.

Tabby McTat is more than just a delightful animated feature. It explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the evolving nature of relationships. “It felt like a story with a mature message,” says Hamman, highlighting the film’s ability to resonate with both children and adults.

The 25-minute short film boasts an impressive cast. BAFTA-nominated actors Rob Brydon and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú lend their voices to Fred and Tabby, respectively, while the narration is delivered by the critically acclaimed Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who).

Tabby McTat has garnered critical acclaim and audience love worldwide. It was one of the 10 most-watched shows on Christmas Day 2023 in England, attracting over 8.6 million viewers. Additionally, the film has secured wins at the BANFF World Media Festival and the New York International Children’s Film Festival.

Working remotely from Cape Town, Hamman and Scrimgeour led a team of over 80 talented individuals, primarily based in the UK. Their dedication and expertise are further amplified by the contributions of fellow South African creatives who brought the story to life, including art director Shannan Taylor and animators like Depesh Cara and Dominic Seeber.

South African audiences can finally experience the magic of Tabby McTat! The film is now available to stream on Showmax, alongside other award-winning titles like The Gruffalo and The Smeds and The Smoos.

Join Tabby McTat on his heartwarming adventure and celebrate the remarkable achievement of South African animation on the global stage!