– The Cardiff Animation Festival has announced a new collaboration with New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival.
– For the first time, there will be a showcase of both Welsh and Japanese animated shorts.
– Animation professional masterclasses from Welsh and Japanese experts will also be featured.
– The Cardiff Animation Festival team aims to showcase Welsh film to the international audience that the festival draws.
A Tale of Two Countries: Cardiff Animation Festival Crosses Borders with Japanese Collaboration
East Meets West in Animation Showcase
Catch a glimpse of the Celtic dragon breathing life into Japanese sakura at the Cardiff Animation Festival, as it announces a brand new collaboration with the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival. This hybrid creature birthed by Welsh and Japanese geniuses is set to flit across the screen, presenting animated shorts from both the good ol’ Welsh and the land of the rising sun.
Animated Masterclasses: Making Magic in Frames
Japan and Wales, though geographically disparate, will also come together to hold animation masterclasses! Brace yourselves. Your artistic senses might just explode from an abundance of insights from these animation virtuosos.
What’s particularly interesting is that the Cardiff Animation Festival team isn’t just bringing their A-game. They’re bringing the whole Welsh film industry to the international platform that these back-to-back festivals provide.
When Wales meets Japan, there are sure to be fireworks. Or better yet, an exquisite explosion of artful animations. The Cardiff Animation Festival and New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival are about to rewrite the folklore of animation, one frame at a time.
In the battle of the animations, Pokemon meets Fireman Sam, and we’re all set to enjoy this delightful cultural cross-pollination. So take a seat, grab your popcorn and fall down this magical rabbit hole where the Welsh red dragon sips sake with the Japanese tanuki.
Unveiling the groundbreaking collaboration between Cardiff Animation Festival and New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival.
This collaborative venture, a first of its kind, will showcase Welsh and Japanese animation shorts in a united display. Alongside, professional animation masterclasses from top experts of both countries. The team from Cardiff Animation Festival intends to introduce Welsh cinema to Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport festival, home to Japan’s pioneer airport movie theatre. Among other exciting endeavors, directors Nia Alavezos and animator Asaki Nishino work on an animated short film, a tribute to both nations’ cultural diversity. This combined effort aims at facilitating a cultural exchange in Hokkaido, fostering a creative common platform and staging a vibrant array of animation events.
Regarding this upcoming cooperation, Tomoko Ono, the Director of New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival expressed:
It’s an honor for us at New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival to embark on this collaborative journey with Cardiff Animation Festival. Our shared love for animation enables us to curate immersive programs and foster online interactions with the team based in Wales. We are eagerly anticipating the cultural exchange of unique animations, the delightful interactions with our counterparts from Cardiff and the exciting outcomes. We believe rubbing shoulders with different working cultures will be inspirational for the future projects of filmmakers.
As global exhibitors of independent animation, both festivals strive to understand and celebrate the works of animators from their respective countries. Rooted in rich animation history and vibrant storytelling, this project aims to spotlight the artists inspired by their homeland.
The program is an excellent celebration of Welsh creativity, ranging from narratives about vengeful spirits, unique love stories, battles with inner demons to much more. Featured films include Affairs of the Art (2021) by Joanna Quinn, Hounds of Annwn (2023) by Beth Hughes and Bryony Evans, and Creepy Pasta Salad (2019) by Cardiff Animation Festival Director Lauren Orme. Nia Alavezos, a renowned Producer, Writer, and Director, will conduct an animation masterclass in Hokkaido, sharing industry insights and experiences from her film career.
Laura Welsman from Cardiff Animation Festival commented:
We are overjoyed to collaborate with one of our favorite animation festivals worldwide. Both Cardiff Animation Festival and New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival share a common passion – promoting cultural storytelling and fostering connections through the love for animation. This partnership allows us to learn and adapt from each other’s working practices, whilst introducing Japanese narratives alongside Welsh work, crafting an engaging programme.
New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival is set to happen on 21st – 25th November at New Chitose Airport. You can join and watch the screenings from anywhere around the globe from 1st – 8th December on Cardiff Animation Festival’s online platform, Eventive.
The collaboration between Cardiff Animation Festival and New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival comes with support from Wales Arts International, British Council, and the Welsh Government. It’s a part of the Year of Wales and Japan 2025 celebrations which aim to strengthen ties between the two nations. To know more, click here.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/caf-new-chitose/