By MOOK Travel Editorial Team
Last year only just launched, the Taichung International Animation Film Festival is expanding its reach this year. Beyond maintaining the domestic competition, the international film invitations are more extensive and profound than before. The event aims to motivate Taiwan’s local animation creators, enrich the diversity of cinematic tastes among the public, and serve as a friendly platform for exchange between Taiwan and the global animation community—establishing an international stage.
Frame-by-frame animated short films from the National Film Board of Canada and the British Aardman Animations Studio. (Image source / TIAF Taichung International Animation Film Festival)
Observation Station Youth. (Image source / TIAF Taichung International Animation Film Festival)
This year’s film program is divided into six major sections: “Taiwanese Animation: Island Treasures,” “Director Spotlight: What Words Cannot Express,” “Frame-by-Frame Animation: Capturing the Charm of Time,” “Film Festival Panorama: A Contemporary Kaleidoscope,” “Chinese Animation: Reimagining Classical Aesthetics,” and “International Feature Films: A Global Visual Pulse.”
The Tower in the Wind. (Image source / TIAF Taichung International Animation Film Festival)
Taiwanese animation is divided into two themes: “Taiwanese Animation Nominations” and “Taiwanese Animation Showcase.” “Taiwanese Animation Nominations” features 48 shortlisted masterpieces selected from 362 submissions, including excellent works from Taiwan’s animation industry and student creators. “Taiwanese Animation Showcase” not only includes commercial works from the industry but also long-form masterpieces by veteran animators—definitely a major highlight of the festival.
“International Feature Films” is the spotlight of this year. (Image source / TIAF Taichung International Animation Film Festival)
“International Feature Films” is the highlight of this year. Based on content, they are categorized into four types: family-friendly and heartwarming, Asian characteristics, mature and impactful, and historical perspectives. There are adaptations of classical Chinese literature, 2D works based on the true story of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai, animated documentaries that recreate war, and feature-length animated films from neighboring Philippines.
[Info]
2016 Taichung International Animation Film Festival
Venue: TIGER CITY WISDOM CINEMA (No. 120-1, Section 3, Henan Road, West District, Taichung City)
Dates: October 13–October 21
Ticket Information
* Pre-sale Tickets
Price: NT$50 per ticket
Pre-sale Period: Now until 11:59 PM, Wednesday, October 12
Pre-sale Outlets: All ibon locations across Taiwan
Admission: First-come, first-served seating; admission with ticket
* On-site Tickets
Price: NT$100 per ticket
Sales Period: From 9:00 AM, Thursday, October 13, 2016, to 8:00 PM, Friday, October 21
Sales Outlet: Festival service desk at TIGER CITY WISDOM CINEMA in Taichung
Admission: First-come, first-served seating; admission with ticket