At SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 in Sydney, Australia, the best animations from the annual Computer Animation Festival were unveiled, and the Youth Computer Animation Festival debuted SIGGRAPH Aisa, a new program designed to educate the animators of tomorrow.
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At SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 in Sydney, Australia, the best animations from the annual Computer Animation Festival were unveiled, and the Youth Computer Animation Festival debuted SIGGRAPH Aisa, a new program designed to educate the animators of tomorrow.
Sydney, Australia, December 5, 2023 – Join us at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) to honour the outstanding animators and team of SIGGRAPH Asia (CAF). This highly anticipated annual film festival showcases a selection of the best animations of 2023, focusing on the valuable contributions of animators and their groundbreaking innovations.
As a hub for global animation talent, a number of outstanding works were carefully selected from an impressive 382 submissions by 595 artists from 14 countries for broadcast in the SIGGRAPH Electronic Theater. The chairman of our Shanghai SIGGRAPH Chapter also participated in the selection of works. The premiere of 38 films, including works by participants in the inaugural Youth Competition, was screened at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 in both electronic and animated theaters.
From engaging short films to scientific visualization and AI augmentation projects, SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 CAF will redefine the boundaries of animation excellence. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of animation innovation!
Herman Van Aiken, Co-Chair of the Computer Animation Festival and Director of the Griffith Film School at the Griffith Film School in Australia, said, “As an educator and co-chair of the Computer Animation Festival, I am delighted to see the extraordinary diversity of creativity and broad technical prowess showcased at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023. It is particularly gratifying that Australia, as a significant player on the international stage, showcases global talent. The winning entries are not only at the cutting edge of animation, but demonstrate the richness of storytelling in digital environments.”
“It was truly inspiring to see the rapid development and sophistication of immersive animation at SIGGRAPH Asia,” said Rob Coleman, Co-Chair of the Computer Animation Festival and Creative Director of Industrial Light & Magic. The portfolios received this year not only demonstrate the dynamic interaction of art and technology, but also redefine the possibilities of animation. We are eager to continue to provide a platform for innovative works that engage and inspire audiences worldwide, promoting creativity and technological innovation in the dynamic landscape of synergy animation.”
CAF celebrates countless extraordinary projects, especially recognizing the following winners, including two honorable mentions:
Best work: Moirai – Thread of Life
Directed by Ina Conradi & Mark Chavez
Producer: Ina Conradi, School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University
Description: This awe-inspiring journey through cosmic dimensions delves into quantum physics, symbolically representing the interconnected threads of quantum phenomena that shape the destiny of all. We show a journey to different dimensions of the universe and touch on quantum physics to explain the concept of fate. Set in the distant future, an astronaut searching for unspoiled land finds himself drawn to mysterious forces in a strange cave. The audience follows her on a journey of discovery and understanding as she is pulled into another dimension where her “self” is intertwined with the larger structure of the universe. The film is inspired by Moirai and symbolically represents the quantum field. Like the white-robed incarnation of fate in ancient mythology, the interconnectedness of quantum phenomena weaves together the destiny of all life. Each individual plays a vital role in the larger universe as a whole.
Special Jury Prize: Hair Universe
Directed by Jinuk Choi, Kotory Studios
Produced by Jinuk Choi, Kotory Studios
Description: The film deftly portrays the human experience of facing loss together, and the strength that arises when we realize what we have in common. Although everyone inevitably faces the death of a loved one, we are never given the opportunity to prepare for the loss or even to think well about it. When unprepared for the death of a loved one, many people feel lost and deal with the pain alone. The film shows how love, death, the pain of loss, and mental anguish are woven together like hair. When we realize that such sorrows are not just ours, but that they “connect” us all together, we regain the strength to survive.
Best student entry: Thaba Ye
Directed by Preetam Dhar, Daria Batueva, Hannah Judd, Mogau Kekana, Merel Hamers and Leroy Le Roux, Institut de la Coblin Animation
Producer: Cecile Blondel, Ecole de la Coblin Animation
Caption Set against the mysterious backdrop of a South African mountain, this film explores courage, fear, and efforts to save a loved one. In the shadow of a mysterious mountain in a remote part of South Africa, where, in the legend of the local Papadi people, those who go there never return, Thato has to face her fears in order to save her sick brother.
Honorable Mention: Quem Salva
Directed by Laure Devin, Maxime Bourstin, Nathan Medam, Charles Hechinger, Titouan Jaouen, Suinfocom Rubika
Producers: Philippe Meis, Supinfocom Rubika
Caption A gripping story about a young firefighter facing an ethical dilemma in the heart of the Amazon. Sidnei, a young recruit in the fire department, is fighting forest fires in the Amazon region. In his first mission, he will be separated from the team and will have to carry out a dangerous mission under the guidance of his mentor Joao. Sidnei will be faced with a choice: follow the orders of the hierarchy or risk his life to save a 1,000-year-old tree.
Honorable Mention: Loup y es tu?
Director/Producer: Louise Laurent, Alizee Van De Valle, Emma Fessart, Jeanne Galland, Celina Lebon, Annouck Francoise, Suinfocom Rubika
Description: The film tells the story of a young girl’s musical journey and the lurking of a mysterious Wolf. A little girl named Misha lives in a suburb of Moscow. She had just made a beautiful violin out of paper and wanted to play it for the big monsters who lived in the apartment. But the less they could hear her playing the violin, the more dangerously the Wolf loitered near her.
CAF 2023 is hosted by Herman Van Eyken, Chair of the Computer Animation Festival and director of the Griffith Film School; Rob Coleman, co-chair of the Computer Animation Festival and creative Director of Industrial Light and Magic; and Karen, producer of the Computer Animation Festival and Senior Lecturer in Art and Design at the University of New South Wales Kriss and Computer Animation Festival producer and Griffith College lecturer Henry Sun organized it.
The screenings took place in the immersive Electronic Theatre and Animation Theatre at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023.
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Youth Computer Animation Festival
To nurture future animators, SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 hosted the first youth competition at the Computer Animation Festival.
The Computer Animation Festival (CAF) at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 debuted an innovative initiative, a junior competition held in partnership with BESydney and the NSW Department of Education’s STEM Industry-University Partnership Program.
The SIGGRAPH 2023 Youth Animation Festival competition honors and educates our world’s future animators. It aims to train emerging talents in computer graphics and animation.
Participants are encouraged to share their entries with classmates, team members and colleagues to further promote the spirit of community and collaboration in the animation industry.
The Junior competition had 2 age groups, juniors (8-13 years old) and seniors (14-18 years old), and provided a platform for students to present their 2-minute animations. In addition, it enables educators to seamlessly integrate computer animation into their curriculum. In the inaugural competition, the following student animated films were recognized:
The Winner
Water
Directed by Selina Ho
Description: “Water” aims to evoke emotional responses by conveying meaningful messages through symbols that appeal to a wide variety of individual interpretations. The standing water symbolizes the emotional struggle of the characters, initially considered dangerous, but later revealed as a powerful force with deep meaning in the resolution.
Runner-Up
The Star Keeper
Directed by Keina Sugiyama
Caption “The Star Keeper,” by Keina Sugiyama of Harrisdale High School in Western Australia, is a short animated film about life on Mount Everest as a hard-working guardian responsible for putting the stars in the night sky. On one particular night, Everest, despite its lack of motivation, decided to take on this vital responsibility. When Mount Everest ascended to the stars, a transformation took place, driven by the memory of inner satisfaction and a unique connection to these celestial bodies.
Honorable Mention
Inspiration
Directed by Mina Phan
Description: Inspiration explores the world of art, taking a deep dive into different styles, mediums, and artists. Animation reflects the infinite nature of art as a fascinating and open pursuit. It emphasizes the beauty of art because of its expressiveness and the absence of wrong answers in the creative process.
Honorable Mention
Coil Motors – Electro P200D
Directed by Nathan Fereig
Caption Nathan Fereig of Mitchell High School created Coil Motors Electro P200D, a dynamic 3D animated short film, for the HSC Industrial Technology Multimedia Major project. The project provided a compelling marketing campaign for a fictional car company, consisting of a 2-minute movie, 3 posters, and a stylish single-page website. The animation using Blender and Unreal Engine 5 cleverly incorporated into computer-generated gery (CGI) will showcase the gas-electric hybrid car Coil Motors Electro P200D.
STEM for Youth! “Showcasing the work of high school students alongside respected animators at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 is not only inspiring, it also helps build our image of the computer graphics and animation industry within the school,” said Chair Professor Scott Sleap. This opportunity paves the way for the next generation of talent in this field.”
“Water” and “The Star Keeper” are at Electronic Theatre, and “Inspiration” and “Coil Motors – Electro P200D” are at Animated Cinema.
More interesting SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 is to come! Will further share the most advanced technology and information for you.
At this moment, the friends of Shanghai SIGGRAPH Chapter in Sydney, Australia, have already played HIGH!