Accra, Oct. 21, GNA - Mr Kofi Middleton-Mends Deputy Director of the National Film and Television Institution (NAFTI) on Saturday described the mass media as a catalyst for educational and social change, which must be utilized with outmost alertness.

He said: "the mass media - electronic, print and all other forms of communication served as a powerful medium for information dissemination, with influential imprint on the minds of the people." Therefore, there is the need for policymakers, broadcasters, and educators to harness the compelling power of the mass media to convey culturally relevant and educational messages for effective results, Mr. Middleton-Mends stated at the opening of the second African Animation Festival in Accra.

The five-day festival on the theme: "Animination in National Development," seeks to engage discussions aimed at improving the animation industry in Africa, provide a platform for animators to learn how to explore new techniques to better serve their communities, strengthen the industry and diversify their art.

The festival will also host professional meeting to discuss topics on African Art and storytelling, the African soundtrack and an African Animator's Forum to discuss the development of the industry. Mr. Middleton-Mends, who is also the Dean of Studies commended the French Government for its continuous support for the development of African entertainment industry, especially its support through the French Embassy in Accra to NAFTI, in particular. Ms. France Meyer, Cultural Attache of the French Embassy in Accra pledged the Government's development agenda for the development of African art industry.

Activities lined for the festival include professional meeting to be attended by animators, film makers, heads of production houses and television stations, researchers educationist and practitioners from West Africa sub-region.

The rest are screening of about 100 animation films from South America, the Caribbean and Africa, as well as special screening for school children with particular focus on experimental and developmental animation and mounting of an Art Exhibition.