“VUT Digital Arts students showed creativity, teamwork & resilience at the 24-Hour Animation Contest, creating 30-second films & earning global recognition.”
07 October 2025 | Story By: Staff Reporter | Picture: Supplied
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The Department of Visual Arts and Design at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has once again demonstrated its creative excellence as Fine Art students from the Digital Arts 2 and 3 modules participated in the annual 24-Hour Animation Contest for Students, a global competition that tests skill, imagination, and endurance.
Hosted by Professor Aubry Mintz of California State University, Long Beach, the contest challenges students from across the world to produce a 30-second animated film within just 24 hours. This year’s theme, “Flip Perspectives,” was announced live by special guest Pete Docter, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind Inside Out and Soul.
At VUT, the challenge began at midnight on Saturday, 4 October 2025, with seven student teams gathering in K-Block to work through the night and day. Under the mentorship of Dr Mashaole Makwela, the students collaborated across animation, sound, editing, and storytelling to deliver high-quality productions that showcased their technical expertise and artistic creativity.
“This is our fourth year participating, and each year I see remarkable improvement,” said Dr Makwela. “The contest is not just about animation; it’s about teamwork, project management, and learning to operate under industry-like pressure. Our students continue to surprise me with their growth, professionalism, and dedication.”
For many participants, the experience offered valuable lessons that extended beyond animation. Ms Liyema Viti, a second-time participant, described it as both “hard and rewarding.” She reflected, “Working within 24 hours taught us flexibility, teamwork, and storytelling under pressure. It’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown since last year.”
Mr Madibo Leo found the competition “fun, exciting, and creatively challenging.” His team’s animation, about a coin that wishes to become paper money, cleverly embodied the year’s theme. “Despite fatigue, our teamwork and communication kept us going. Submitting our film on time was incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Ms Matjila Sponono noted how the contest strengthened her collaborative skills: “Working under strict time constraints taught me to trust my teammates and adapt quickly. It reminded me that creativity thrives on teamwork and persistence.” Similarly, Ms Kutlwano Modise reflected on the importance of harmony and communication: “A team without unity can easily break down. But through challenges, I learned resilience, leadership, and adaptability.”
For others, the competition became a real-world lesson in the power of shared learning and perseverance. Ms Ayanda Buthelezi expressed, “It challenged us to think fast and stay creative under pressure. I learned that teamwork, time management, and communication are essential to success.” Ms Chauke Hlawulani, participating for the first time, added, “I never thought we could compete with teams from Africa, Asia, and Europe. It was eye-opening and motivating.”
Mr Mzimakwe Luthando said, “Though the hours were long, teamwork made it easier. The contest helped us understand our strengths and how to perform effectively under pressure.” Mr Bandile Tshabalala described the experience as “an intense but exciting challenge that pushed creativity and collaboration,” while Mr Mdaka Sbonelo beautifully summed it up: “Even when we were exhausted, we supported one another. Our animation was more than a project; it reflected shared growth and unity.”
As part of VUT’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) approach, the competition provides students with an authentic simulation of professional animation studios, preparing them to meet global creative standards. “The 24-Hour Animation Contest proves that our students can compete internationally,” added Dr Makwela. “It is about innovation, creative discipline, and resilience, qualities that will define the next generation of South African digital artists.” From intense midnight brainstorming sessions to the final rendering at sunrise, VUT’s Digital Arts students demonstrated not only artistic brilliance but also the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of the university’s vision for a digitally savvy and sustainable future. As one student concluded, “The experience itself became just as valuable as the final product.”