Cameroon / France

Born in Vaulx-en-Velin, France, Jean-Charles Mbotti Malolo is a dancer, animator and filmmaker of Cameroonian descent. He studied animation at the Emile Cohl School of Lyon. After his first short success, The Heart is a Metronome and a collaboration with the Karambolage program on ARTE TV, JC Mbotti Malolo directed The Sense of Touch, which was internationally recognized. He learned sign language to write and direct the short, working with acclaimed French actress Emmanuelle Laborit, who was born deaf. Les Mots, Jean-Charles’ first choreographed show – a solo for two performers – opened in early 2017. It is a continuation of his work concerning non-verbal communication. His 2018 film, Make It Soul, whose graphical genius is attributed to Simon Roussin, pays tribute to the essence of black American music, re-injecting life into Solomon Burke and James Brown. Make It Soul was nominated for the César for Best Animation Short Film 2020.

Filmography

The Heart is a Metronome (2007)
The Sense of Touch (2014)
Waves (2015)
Make It Soul (2018)