By Variety | Created at 2025-03-17 00:41:21 | Updated at 2025-03-17 06:57:49
6 hours ago
Asian animation continues to evolve and grow its profile on the global stage in both artistic and commercial terms. That is perhaps most evident at this year’s Hong Kong — Asia Film Financing Forum, where a half-dozen promising projects will be pitched to potential buyers, sellers and co-producers. A seventh animated project will also feature in this year’s Indonesian spotlight.
Held alongside FilMart, HAF received 60% more animated submissions than last year. This year’s animation slate features industry veterans and newcomers alike, including acclaimed director Toe Yuen, who won the 2003 Annecy Cristal for best feature with “My Life as McDull.” The following is an overview of the animated films at HAF.
Cloud of the Unknown
Director: Gao Yuan (Hong Kong, France)
Based on Yuan’s short of the same name and produced by Isabelle Glachant and Camille Li, this 2D feature is a surreal exploration of dreams and reality. Produced by Chinese Shadows and Shasha & Co. Production, the film follows Yun, a girl who vanishes into strange worlds when she falls asleep, and Sha, who dreams of being a paralyzed painter in a dystopian world. As their paths cross, they begin to question the nature of their existence. “The encounter between Yun and Sha motivates them to explore themselves further,” said Yuan.
Fly!
Directors: Pelixiano Saputranovic, Ellen Xie (Indonesia)
“Fly!” is a tale set against the backdrop of Bali’s spiritual landscape. Produced by ArtCodeStory and MOAI Entertainment, the film follows Wayan, a young Balinese boy who embarks on a mystical journey to reunite with his lost father. As he navigates the spirit world, Wayan faces a choice that could alter his destiny forever. “In a world where so many have experienced loss and longing from separation, ‘Fly!’ is a reminder that love never truly fades — it simply transforms,” said Saputranovic. The film is currently in development, with an estimated finish date of 2027.
Light Pillar
Director: Xu Zao (China)
Produced by Da Peng and Lu Xiaowei, “Light Pillar” is a story set in a nearly deserted film studio that mixes live action and animated sequences. Lao Cha, a janitor, finds companionship in a stray cat and befriends a woman named Li in a virtual world, only to discover that Li is actually a 10-year-old boy. Produced by Fengduan Film, the film explores themes of love, happiness and cycles of renewal. “Love and happiness sometimes need to be pursued, but more often, they need to be discovered,” said Zao, who previously won DOK Leipzig’s Golden Dove for a feature with “No Changes Have Taken in Our Life.”
A Mighty Adventure
Director: Toe Yuen (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia)
Keeping up with a resurgent dialogue-free trend in top animation — think Oscar-winner “Flow” and nominee “Robot Dreams” — action-packed comedy “A Mighty Adventure” follows three insects — a grasshopper, spider and butterfly — as they navigate a vast concrete jungle. Produced by Zero One Film and Flystudio, the film blends live-action footage with CG insects to create a raw yet enchanting visual experience. “This isn’t just a visual experiment — it’s a universal, entertaining ride for all ages,” said former Annecy winner Yuen. The film is currently in post-production and should be finished by summer.
MIN
Director: Li Jiajia (China)
“MIN” delves into the silent struggles of its titular character as she navigates the complexities of marriage and motherhood. Produced by the China Academy of Art, School of Animation and Games, the film explores the delicate balance between personal desires and societal expectations. “The movie uses animation, a medium most distant from ‘reality,’ to present a story with a strong sense of realism,” said Li Jiajia, who previously served as art director on the Berlin competition player “Art College 1994.”
Wildheart
Director: Marceau Nakayama (France, Belgium, Japan)
“Wildheart,” co-written by Nakayama and John A. Scott, is a Showa-era family drama set in late 1960s Tokyo. Produced by Keytales Studio in France and Forerunner Films in Belgium, the story revolves around Makoto, an 11-year-old girl who cares for her younger brother Kenta. As they search for their mother, Makoto grapples with the guilt of hiding a crucial piece of information from Kenta. “Wildheart” employs a unique CineMation approach, blending live-action storytelling with the visual freedom of animation. Nakayama described the film as a fusion of Japanese and international cinema sensibilities, resulting in a distinct and original narrative.
The Tale of the Holy Beast
Director: Triparna Maiti (India)
Produced by Bejon K Vinod, “The Tale of the Holy Beast” is a heart-wrenching story of a young elephant calf who loses his herd to poachers and is subsequently sold to various owners throughout his life. Produced by FAEM, the film explores the bond between humans and animals through the lens of captivity. “Using animation, we are exploring the wild emotions and complexities of captivity,” said Maiti. The project is currently in development, with an estimated finish date of October 2028.
