Today (11) the 4th Taichung Int’l Animation Film Festival begins and will continue 6 days at SHOWTIME Live and Kbro Cinemas in Taichung. Mayor Lin Chia-lung was Present for the opening press, co-signing a France Residency Project “Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud” with Xavier Kawa-Topor, the founder of la NEF Animation (Nouvelles écritures pour le film d'animation). Next year one Taiwanese animator will be selected to station in the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, France, for one month. The project enhances Taichung animation industry and better connection to global stage.

Zhang Yi, the director of closing film “A Dog’s Life”, producer Yang Hui-shan, the multi-times Golden Horse nominated senior animation director Yu Wei-zheng, NEF founder Xavier, Japanese master animator Sadao Tsukioka, Deputy Director of Information Bureau Lu Mei-li, Motion Picture Foundation,R.O.C. CEO Lin Ying-zhi, representatives of City Councilperson Weng Mei-chun and Zhang Ya-min, the industry and judges from the world gathered to join the event.

As per Mayor Lin, last year the committee for the first time opened the competition to the world stage, and received 1,849 applications. This year, more than ever, the festival received total 2,006 applications and is going more international. This year the new “Proposal Award” gives winner a start-up funds to allow rising talents to continue the production of artistry, originality, and individuality.

City Government invests not only the resources but also manpower on promoting animation industry. “Zhongshan 73”, the art film cinema which is about to enter trial run by the end of October, the newly established “Central Taiwan Studio”, Shuinan Smart City’s “Central Taiwan Movie Center” and “National Comic Museum” that are under construction, these projects will contribute a base city for AV development, lead Taichung towards an industrial center for ACG industrial links.

In addition, Taichung, the animation based film festival hosting city, is getting the world’s attention. This year, participants from France, Japan, South Korea, Europe and the U.S., Taiwan renowned Golden Horse Award Director winner Zhang Yi, Best Actress Yang Hui-shan and their heart-moving closing film “A Dog’s Life”, together with the world premiere of Taiwan local animation feature “Baryon” , the festival officially commences tonight.

When he was the Director of Government Information Office, says Mayor Lin, he had 10 policies for Taiwan movie development. Now the plan is being realized in Taichung, with the energy accumulated little by little. Animation is free from culture barrier and language obstacle, there is something for viewers of diverse backgrounds. The creation of technology and art welcomes everyone to join the event.

Zhang Yi, the Director of closing film, says that the animation is like a growing plant, it needs rich soil. According to estimate, Pixar’s “Coco” cost 5 billion TWD, indicating the size of international animation industry, and the fluency it brought to Taiwan animation industry. Taichung has contributed greatly to make a animation themed int’l film festival. Other than the development, the manpower cultivation requires considerable resources. Zhang appreciated City Government’s effort and expects long term support.

Xavier Kawa-Topor, the founder of la NEF, thanked Taichung City Government and TFDF’s invitation to the festival. First time in Taiwan, he realized that there are many talented workers and appreciated the residency project with Taichung City Government. For more than a decade, the project had welcomed more than 2 hundred global directors’ residency. This time, one Taiwanese artist will come to France and join the team to complete an animation film, better enhancing two countries’ communication.

TFDF CEO Lin Ying-zhi stated that the foundation shall broaden their vision and enhance the production as well quality through the festival. Taiwan animations are selected as opening/closing films, the “Sneak a Preview” from last year, this year’s “Proposal Award”, encouraging more talented production and industrial connection. This year there is the first time collaboration with France Residency Project “Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud”, showing the world the vitality of Taichung animation production, while enhancing international communication.

This time the event is studded with many global stars. All 6 final judges for international short film were present on today’s press, each possesses professional titles in the global animation industry or numerous awards. Taiwanese Senior Director Yu Wei-zheng, five int’l judges: Boles’ Director Špela Čadež from Slovenia, Seasick Director Eva Cvijanović from Bosnia, Man on the Chair Director Dahee Jeong from South Korea, The Master's Voice: Caveirão ’s Director Guilherme Marcondes from Brazil, French animation history researcher Xavier Kawa-Topor; for Observation Unit Jonas and the Sea’s Director Marlies VAN DER WEL, Mend and Make Do’s Director Bexie Bush, and Lost Property Office’s Director Daniel Agdag, making this year’s event even more international.

2018 Taichung int’l Animation Film Festival begins today until October 16 at SHOWTIME LIVE Taichung Station and Kbro Cinema. Observation features from around the world, and int’l short film selections are now on. This Saturday the Master Forum with featured Director Paul Bush and Sadao Tsukioka; on Sunday the “Sneak a Preview”, and at the award ceremony of October 16 afternoon, winners for a total of 1.4 million TWD prize will be announced, followed by closing ceremony, as per Information Bureau.

To purchase tickets, pre-sales on ibon or through website, or buy tickets at box office. For more information about the film festival including film list and events, go to the website of Taichung International Animation Festival or Facebook FanPage.