Ivory Coast: Adja Mariam Mahre Soro, animation producer promoting African culture among young people

Screenwriter, animation producer, and writer, Adja Mariam Mahre Soro specializes in Afrocentric animation for young people. She is the founder of KÄ studio which produces animated films, and Voyelles Editions, a publishing house dedicated to children’s books.

Adja Mariam Mahre Soro is currently one of the leading figures in animation production and educational content for young people in Côte d’Ivoire. After starting her career in accounting, notably at Advans Côte d’Ivoire as an accounting and financial manager and internal auditor from 2012 to 2015, she decided to start writing, more specifically for young people. She founded Voyelles Editions with the ambition of highlighting Africa’s cultural richness in content aimed at children across Africa. “At Voyelles Éditions, we are committed to promoting the African continent through children’s books that celebrate its cultural heritage, traditions, stories, and heroes,” reads the publisher’s website. The publishing house releases various types of books: fantasy tales, novels, poetry, and comic books aimed at young people.

In 2019, she founded Studio Kä, an Ivorian animation studio specializing in the production of animated educational content for television. The production house aims to celebrate African stories. “My goal is to tell authentic stories that resonate with audiences around the world, while contributing to the growth of the animation industry in Africa,” she states on her LinkedIn page. Through its productions, the studio aims to “introduce young people to the richness of Africa while addressing current issues and celebrating gender equality with diverse and inspiring characters,” as stated on its website. Among its animated productions are the feature film “Kinafo,” the series ‘Unchosen’ and “Les contes de Raya,” and the short film “Comme toi.”

In 2021, she founded the « Wo Yiri » Foundation for Education and Culture, which aims at promoting African culture. The association’s goal is to export initiatives that highlight African history, potential, and creativity, whether in literature, performing arts, or the creative and cultural industries.

Adja has received several awards and accolades for her commitment to promoting African culture through animation and publishing. In 2014, she won the Young Ivorian Writer Award. In 2017, she was selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship. In 2021, she received the Fespaco Award for the series Les Contes de Raya, as well as the Talent Award at the Durban International Film Festival.