South African filmmakers Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour have brought home the prestigious International Emmy for Kids: Animation with their enchanting BBC Christmas special, Tabby McTat.
Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture book, the 25-minute animated short was announced as the winner during the awards ceremony in New York, edging out strong competition from Mystery Lane, Sharkdog, and Wake Up, Carlo!
This marks a back-to-back International Emmy win for South African directors in the same category. In 2023, another Donaldson-Scheffler adaptation, The Smeds and The Smoos, directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler, took home the award.
Winning an International Emmy is a Dream Come True
“Growing up, you dream of awards like this, but it feels so out of reach,” says Jac. “As a South African, it’s incredible to achieve this level of recognition. We’re so proud of the team.”
Although Jac and Sarah were unable to attend the ceremony due to other commitments, their joy was palpable. “Being on the other side of the world makes it tricky to attend such events,” explains Sarah. “But hopefully, Tabby McTat will remain on the awards circuit, and we’ll get the chance to join later.”
More Info About Tabby McTat
Now streaming on Showmax, Tabby McTat is a heartwarming story about the bond between a musical cat and his busker companion, Fred. After an unfortunate accident separates them, Tabby is left to navigate the streets of London alone.
“It combines my love for singing and cats—two of my passions. We even named our new kittens Tabitha and McTat!” says Julia Donaldson
Sarah, a known cat lover, added, “How could I resist a story about a musical cat?”
Jac, meanwhile, was drawn to the film’s themes of evolving relationships: “It’s about growing apart, starting a family, and the emotional depth of life’s transitions. I wanted parents and children to feel those emotions together.”
The film stars Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (Gangs of London) as Fred and Tabby, with Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) narrating.
A Festive Success
Produced by Magic Light Pictures, Tabby McTat captivated audiences, becoming one of the 10 most-watched shows on TV in England during Christmas 2023, with over 8.6 million viewers. It also claimed the Animation: Preschool award at the BANFF World Media Festival and the Audience Award at the New York International Children’s Film Festival.
The film is up for several more awards, including the Rose d’Or and Royal Television Society prizes.
South African Animation Talent Behind the Scenes
Jac and Sarah directed the production remotely from Cape Town, leading a team of over 80 animators, mostly based in the UK. This is their sixth BBC Christmas special and their second as directors, following the acclaimed Superworm.
The project also featured contributions from several South Africans, including art director Shannan Taylor, lighting lead Armand Filmalter, and animators Depesh Cara, Dominic Seeber, and others.
“There’s a work ethic here that stands out. Shannan and the team brought Axel Scheffler’s illustrations to life in an amazing way.” – Jac Hamman
Now Streaming on Showmax
After two years of hard work, Jac and Sarah are thrilled that South African audiences can finally enjoy Tabby McTat on Showmax.
“It’s amazing to share this with our friends and family at last,” Sarah says.
And there’s more to explore on Showmax: Donaldson and Scheffler’s other animated specials, including The Gruffalo and Zog, are available to stream. Plus, Timothy Spall recently won Best Actor for The Sixth Commandment, another must-watch title on the platform.
Watch this space for updates in the Entertainment category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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