Sunday Morning, also known in French as Dimanche matin, a vibrant 3D animated project created by Minasie Terefe and produced by Behagerlij Studio, has been awarded the prestigious AGrAF -Association des Auteurs de Groupements de l’Animation Française- prize for Best TV Series or Special at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.
This victory took place during the International Animation Film Market (MIFA), which ran from June 21–27, 2026. Out of more than 850 international projects, Sunday Morning was selected as one of only 14 entries, marking it as a significant milestone for a fully African-developed project on the world’s most influential animation stage.
Written by Minasie Terefe, Ephrem Terefe, and Ermias Assefa, the series follows four siblings who attempt to turn their quiet Sunday mornings into epic adventures, all while struggling to keep their sleepy mother asleep.
This slice-of-life family comedy has captured the attention of global media giants, having been optioned for development as a potential Disney Channel and Disney+ animated series.
For Minasie Terefe, who leads the Addis Ababa-based Behagerlij Studio, this recognition is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the growth of a nascent industry. Terefe, who notably transitioned to animation after a successful career in architecture, views the award as a pivotal moment for Ethiopia.
“The animation industry… I can’t even call it an industry yet, because it is still in its infancy,” Terefe noted. While the sector in Ethiopia remains heavily reliant on commercial commissions and advertising, projects like Sunday Morning prove that the region possesses the creative depth to produce high-quality, original content.
By securing this prize, the Sunday Morning team—supported by the Habesha Creative Lab incubator and mentors Chrystel Poncet and Mounia ARAM—is helping to shift local perspectives. Once seen by many as an “absurd” or “unnecessary” career path, animation is now increasingly recognized in Ethiopia as a viable and respected profession.
As Minasie emphasizes, while the sector is still in its early stages, the global attention from Annecy confirms that the world is beginning to take notice of the unique stories emerging from Addis Ababa.
