The biggest animation film festival in the country, Animahenasyon, highlights Filipino talent and creativity in the local animation industry.
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There’s no doubt how Filipino animators have already been making names on the world stage. Oscar nominees Ronnie del Carmen and Bobby Pontillas who have worked on acclaimed animated feature films like Inside Out, Wall-E, Finding Nemo, and Zootopia, among others, are a case in point. And while the local industry could still get more support, the talent is there. Animahenasyon, the Philippines’ annual animation festival, is back once again to celebrate and champion Filipino talents in the animation industry. This year, the Animahenasyon Philippine Animation Festival aims to put local talent at the forefront, recognize the sheer talent of Filipino animators, encourage the production of original content, and inspire creative excellence.
ANIMAHENASYON’S STORY
Now in its sixteenth year, Animanehasyon attempts to develop a Filipino brand of animation by providing a platform for both professional and aspiring animators to hone their skills and connect them to key local and international industry players for possible collaboration and opportunities.
Every year, in its advocacy for continued learning and development on the arts and craft of animation, Animahenasyon holds a series of symposium and panel discussions between international guest animators and local artists through its Aniconference. The festival also exhibits various animated films from their Anikompetisyon lineup that are free and accessible to the public. Anikompetisyon is open to all Filipino student and professional animators.
Some of Animahenasyon’s primary goals are to develop the Philippine animation industry and promote its brand in the global animation scene, provide access to locally produced animation content in markets here and abroad, discuss and set the direction for the development of the animation industry through international and business conferences forums, and promote awareness of the history of Filipino animation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
In cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the 16th edition of Animahenasyon will hold its Aniconference online, from November 18 to 20. Speakers will include international artists like Japanese animation directors Mizuki Ito and Kenjie Iwaisawa, Toon City President and CEO Miguel Del Rosario, Animation Vertigo Founder and CEO Marla Rausch, and Disney TV Animation Writer Mikki Crisostomo, among other renowned names in the animation industry.
For its Anikompetisyon lineup, 66 official entries have been selected for the professional and student categories. They will undergo a preselection process from September 21 to October 11 where all ACPI members will deliberate and select 20 finalists eligible for the competition by ballot voting. A set of judges from the fields of animation, film, and media will then identify the winners from the finalists. The final judging period will be from October 12 to October 31. The finalists will be judged according to its content, technical quality, and overall impact. Winners will be announced during the awarding night on November 20, and will receive a certificate, trophy, and cash prize. Past winners include Nick Deocampo’s animated documentary, Cine Tala, Carl Joseph Papa’s Love Bites, Toon City Academy’s Billy & Bonnie in All Shapes & Sizes, and Mervin Malonzo’s Ella Arcangel.
Meanwhile, for the festival’s Anisine program, all the entries will be screened for free at FDCP Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Nabunturan, and Negros from Oct 15-16, 2022. Animahenasyon also has its Aniteatro, which holds free film screenings every Saturday and Sunday at 7 PM on Facebook Live.
If you’re keen to experience the best of Animahenasyon, you can also be an Aniclub member, a loyalty program where you’ll get discounts on conferences, seminars, digital products, and other promos.
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