Tanzanian duo seek funding for 'The Legend of Hyena Man' animation project

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian creators Mathew Valerian and Joshua Faber are seeking funding to finalise their animated project, The Legend of Hyena Man.

The project recently won the 'Hidden Talents Award,' presented by Hidden Hand Studios at the Durban Film Mart this year.

Speaking to The Citizen, Mathew Valerian revealed that the idea for The Legend of Hyena Man originated from a conversation with his friend Elshadye Temesgen about the fascinating traditions in Ethiopia's Harar village.

This discussion sparked Mathew's curiosity, leading him to explore the intriguing existence of hyena men in Kano, Nigeria.

Initially conceived as a graphic novel, the project evolved into an animation to better capture the story's vibrant and dynamic nature.

“The narrative follows Abeo, a young man who dreams of mastering the art of taming hyenas. As Abeo embarks on this quest, he discovers that his greatest inspiration is also his fiercest adversary,” Mathew explained.

The project delves into themes of self-belief, cultural importance, and family values, creating a rich tapestry that explores personal growth and cultural heritage.

Mathew and Joshua's partnership began in 2016 at the University of Dar es Salaam, where they studied film and television.

Over the years, they have collaborated on numerous projects, with Mathew excelling in storytelling and business management, ensuring the project's organisation and financial viability.

The journey to bring The Legend of Hyena Man to life began last year, 2023, when Joshua was in Nairobi, participating in the Multichoice Talent Factory.

His friend, Enock Tamale, recognising Joshua's passion for animation, shared the opportunity to participate in the Durban Film Mart.

This collaboration led to the creation of a compelling pitch deck for the project.

He recalls that one of the most critical moments was the waiting period after submitting their work.

"It was nerve-wracking as we anxiously awaited the selection results. Another significant challenge was assembling a team that shared my vision for the project. It was difficult to find the right people who were as passionate about the project as I was. However, with persistence, we eventually found a dedicated and talented team, and here we are today."

Winning the ‘Hidden Talent Award’ signifies a new beginning for the duo.

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with an international studio, and we feel truly fortunate to collaborate with Hidden Hand Studios. This partnership will have a profound impact on the future of The Legend of Hyena Man," Mr Joshua explained.

Hidden Hand Studios will provide them with a free one-year consultation to improve the story and create a 60-second trailer.

Despite the accolade, the team is seeking additional funding to support all stages of production, from development to marketing.

"We require development funds to conduct further research on the story and present it effectively to potential funders. Thorough research is essential for crafting a compelling narrative, especially since our story spans the cultures of three different countries. Securing development funding at this stage is crucial," Joshua shares.

The duo's goal is to ensure that the entire African continent becomes aware of The Legend of Hyena Man.

"We want children to see characters on screen who look like them and speak like them. By investing in marketing, we aim to reach a wide audience, promoting cultural representation and inspiring young viewers," Mathew ads.

To support the project, fans can purchase merchandise, including T-shirts featuring The Legend of Hyena Man, available through their social media pages.