MANILA – The Philippines is home to many talented artists, some of whom work in the animation industry or dabble in it. Recognizing and encouraging the efforts of these animators, the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) is holding its annual Animation Festival and Competition titled Animahenasyon.
Staged this year at SMX Aura, from October 15 to 16, the ACPI hopes to draw in enthusiasts and students who hope to take advantage of the free workshops. The event is part of Design Week, a CITEM-initiated activity to promote Philippine creativity and innovation.
Each year, ACPI receives over 100 entries of animation works from students and professional animators alike. Last year’s Grand Prize winner went to graphic novelist Arnold Arre for his work “Lakas ng Lahi.”
Currently with a total of 53 members, consisting mostly of animation studios and learning institutions specializing in animation for film production and game art, ACPI hopes to push for the creation of local small to medium independent animation studios to address global demand. Last year, the local animation sector reported USD $142 million in total revenues from a global demand of USD $ 230 billion –and while Pinoy artists can tackle anime and western cartoon styles—as evidenced by the animators who have subsequently worked for Disney, Warner Brothers, Pixar and TOEI.
Animation is used in a variety of ways, such as CGI special effects, or games, and it is ACPI’s wish to see more talented folks earning professional fees from this art form.
Tim Brooke-Hunt, an Executive Producer and former Executive Head of Children’s Content at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, testifies to the talent to be found here, and will be present during the festival to give talks on pitching/selling content.
Other speakers at the animation conference will include Mr. Takuya Wada, Director of Lupin; Ms. Josie Trinidad, story artist for the upcoming Disney movie Zootopia; and Mr. Tom Rodriguez, a Filipino actor who is also an animation artist.
Other institutions supporting Animahenasyon include the Center for International Trade and Expositions and Missions, Design Center of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Tourism Promotions Board. The French Embassy in the Philippines and the Japan Foundation are partners as well.
For more details on the event, please log on to animahenasyon.com
