Valentina McOnie

Art Director | Sunrise Productions

Valentina has always been a passionate storyteller. She began her career as a storyboard artist on an animated TV series before moving into visual development at Sunrise Productions. Since then, she has worked across a range of animated shows and feature films, including the much-loved children’s series Jungle Beat.

In 2021, she stepped into the role of Art Director on Jungle Beat: To the Past, and later worked as co–Art Director on the animated feature DAVID.

Valentina approaches art direction with a strong focus on mood and tone, working to shape the emotional feel of a project from its earliest stages, aiming to create works that feel both compelling and engaging.

All Sessions by Valentina McOnie

13:30 - 14:00
MAIN STAGE

David Defeats the Goliaths - The Sunrise of A new Era in South African Animation

The story of David and Goliath has inspired generations—but you've never seen it like this. Join the creative team behind David, South Africa's most ambitious animated feature to date, as they pull back the curtain on bringing this epic biblical tale to life with a distinctly African lens. Already a phenomenon, David has shattered expectations—outperforming () The Prince of Egypt to become the highest-grossing opening weekend of a faith-based film of all time as well as leaving the SpongeBob Movie in the dust at the Box Office. But the real story isn't just about numbers; it's about how a passionate Cape Town team challenged industry giants by building world-class animation right here at home. Discover the creative decisions, technical innovations, and cultural perspectives shaping this groundbreaking film. From early concept art to character development, hear firsthand how the team navigated the journey from local studio to global success. Whether you're an animation enthusiast, aspiring filmmaker, or simply curious about the future of African storytelling, this session offers an exciting glimpse into a project that's as audacious as its young shepherd hero. Expect exclusive footage, behind-the-scenes insights, and a candid conversation about what it takes to launch a new era in South African animation—and take on Hollywood in the process.