Image reproduced from Taiwan News

The Taiwanese animation industry is once again garnering international recognition, as the Annecy International Animation Festival is being held in France. This annual event has attracted over 17,000 professionals from around the world. Under the theme of "TAIWAN SPOTLIGHT," led by the National Taiwan Arts Council, five animation teams from Taiwan presented their innovative proposals, vying for the attention of the international industry.

During the special presentation, the participating teams showcased their work and engaged actively with international investors and curators, drawing in over a hundred investors. Director Lava of the series "Odd Organizer" expressed that the unique aspect of their show lies in how different children perceive the process of organizing rooms, belongings, and emotions, hoping that the series will create an impact, be interesting, and convey positive values.

Tubo, the producer of the series, noted the vibrant atmosphere of creativity and energy among the animation professionals in attendance, emphasizing how rare this opportunity is to showcase the profiles of Taiwanese animators. He pointed out the diversity in Taiwan's animation proposals, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the island. International audience member Sergio ARAYA praised the exceptional quality of Taiwanese animation, particularly highlighting "Long-Distance Runner," which resonated with Chilean culture. He found the story easy to understand due to these cultural similarities, emphasizing shared values of family, children, and hope.

Additionally, the animation teams shared their creative experiences. Director Liao Dai-You of "Mountain Witch Song" mentioned that their character designs are more tailored toward the European and international markets, noting that many international companies expressed interest in collaborating with them. This not only raised their profile but also advanced the international development of Taiwanese animation.

Alongside the proposal presentations, many mature Taiwanese works also shone at the festival. Director Liu Yu-Shu of "Eight Cave Demons" revealed a hybrid VR experience featuring online and offline interactions, expressing pride in showcasing Taiwanese glove puppetry combined with technology at this prestigious event. The National Taiwan Arts Council also established a Taiwan Pavilion featuring 31 companies and 47 promising works, actively engaging with international partners and demonstrating the vibrant energy of Taiwanese animation. The Annecy International Animation Festival has not only brought international attention to Taiwanese animation but also fostered deeper exchanges and collaborations within Taiwan's animation industry.