TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — The Taichung International Animation Festival wrapped up its awards ceremony on Saturday (Oct. 26), marking a decade of celebrating animated art. The festival honored C. Jay Shih with the inaugural "Special Contribution Award" for his pivotal role in Taiwan's animation industry.
Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin, Deputy Director-General of Taichung Information Bureau Chen Yu, and Deputy Director of the Taichung Film Development Foundation Chang Wan-yu announced the winners.
Yang Tzu-hsin's "Dragon Fire" clinched the "Taiwanese Short Films Grand Prix," while Wang Wei-fan's "HEY DAD" earned the "Taiwanese Student Short Films Grand Prix," showcasing the creativity and innovation in local animated shorts.
International recognition went to Margherita Giusti's "The Meatseller" and Bianca Sculli's "The Disappearance of a Mole," which won the "Short Film Grand Prix" and "Student Short Films Grand Prix," respectively.
International filmmakers like South Korea's Lee Kyung-hwa and France's Luce Grosjean attended, with 62 entries shortlisted and 13 works selected by the jury.
Daniel Šuljić and Olga Bobrowska praised the high quality and diverse themes of this year's selections. The "Audience Award" went to "Fan," a Taiwanese film exploring loss and memory, while Spain's "Homework" charmed young viewers, winning the "Children's Choice Award."
"Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds" closed the festival to a full house, capping a successful anniversary and setting the stage for future growth in the animation industry.