Sony Talent League by THU, a global challenge organized by Sony Group Corporation (Sony) and Trojan Horse was a Unicorn (THU) to support the growth of young creators and empower innovative ideas through art, announced the winning team of its third edition. After months of intense work alongside their digital entertainment mentors, team Djossi 225 was selected by the Grand Jury; Asako Tomura (Producer of Advanced Contents Development, Sony), Gilles Gaillard (Co-Founder, Animaj) and André Luís (Founder & CEO, THU).
The team of four creators impressed the judges with their creativity and innovative combination of a live-action documentary format with 2D and 3D animation, used to shed light on the everyday heroes of Abidjan on the Ivory Coast. The team’s project, titled Djossi Heroes, transforms everyday struggles in the country’s largest city into animated superpowers, reflecting their subjects’ tenacity and perseverance.
“We are thrilled to announce Djossi 225 as the winning team of this year’s Sony Talent League by THU,” said Luis. “Their project is everything we search for when creating these challenges. To push people into achieving their full creative potential, no matter their background or the format in which they chose to do it. It was an honor giving Nandy Diabate, Achille Djadja, Aristide Kouakou N’dri and Moussa Bagnon a platform to make themselves seen. We look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
As the winners of Sony Talent League by THU, the team will now get a chance to travel to Barcelona, along with its fellow finalist teams, for the THU Creators Circle in July, to be a part of a “Pitch Bootcamp.” For their exclusive grand prize, Djossi 225 will enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to THU Japan, the organization’s Storytelling Retreat in Kaga City (September 20-23).
“It’s a feeling of joy, of pride that drives us,” said a representative from Djossi 225. “We discovered Sony Talent League, we benefited from a lot of diversified knowledge. It was a magnificent adventure for three months and the tour crowned by the victory, it is just incredible!”
As a part of the overall challenge, all five finalist teams had access to exclusive mentorship opportunities, and up to 10,000€ in living expenses to focus on their project.
Sony Talent League by THU started in 2020, designed for all creators between the ages of 18 and 35 eager to show their ideas to the world. Partnering up with Sony, it reached over 100 countries with more than 150 submissions, giving birth to projects that mix multiple disciplines and offer something unique to the world.
Learn more at trojan-unicorn.com.
