The highly anticipated African animated feature Crocodile Dance has officially released its first teaser on YouTube, giving audiences a vivid glimpse into one of the most culturally rich and visually striking animated films currently in development.
Set in Itesi, a serene seaside town inspired by Lagos and Badagry, Crocodile Dance blends stunning art direction with deep cultural mythology. Beneath its sun-washed beaches and Afrofunk-filled streets lies an unsettling threat: a rising tide linked to a Mami Wata curse, slowly consuming the community. The film follows its northstar protagonist Roukia, a woman whose journey is rooted in power, heritage, motherhood, and the mysterious forces shaping her world.
Creative Team & Visual World
The creative team’s blend of traditional African storytelling, mood painting, and advanced animation techniques sets Crocodile Dance apart. Scenes were built in Blender, painted in partnership between Shof and Yin Harri, drawing on Afro-futurist architecture and seaside folklore.
Festival Recognition & Next Steps
Crocodile Dance has already made waves: after premiering its teaser at the Annecy Animation Festival, the film won the NFVF Award for Best Animation Project at the Durban Film Mart, a strong validation of its potential and talent. With only 8 films in the market competition, this achievement places the project among Africa’s top animation ventures for 2025.
The team is now actively seeking strategic partnerships and further funding to carry the project from development to production. Festival appearances, investor screenings and collaborations are underway.
Teaser Out Now
The short clip gives a glimpse of Itesi’s haunting beauty, the Mami Wata curse, and the battle of elemental forces poised to reshape the world of Crocodile Dance.
With Crocodile Dance, Africa’s animation future feels bold and alive, a mythic story rooted in local culture but built for global audiences.
Which element of the teaser caught your eye? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!