The Filipino animation industry has gained stronger foothold as rosters of animation talents are showcased via the ANIMAHENASYON, whose proponent is the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI). The annual competition, which is already on its 3rd year was held last November 25-28 at the Gateway Mall, Araneta Centre, Cubao, Quezon City.

According to ACPI, the competition-cum-festival  aims to put to fore the talents  of Filipinos in Animation, through exposition of their original works to local and international audience as well as recognize their potential to be globally competitive both artistically and commercially.

The festival, which ACPI dubs as this year’s biggest Animation event featured exhibits,  film showing of entries, business symposium, workshops, and  the awards ceremony.

There were several  competition categories participated in by newbies and professionals alike who will be vying for cash prize and prestige. Top winner for the 6-20 minute run Student Division and Audience Choice Award taker is the work of student-animator, Jose Luis R. Buan, a 17-year old senior high school, whose entry, THE HANDBOOK, is literally a one-person-production. Jose Luis, a grandson of  journalist Max C. Buan Jr. ( erstwhile editor-in-chief of People’s Journal,  and columnist for Today and the Manila Times),  dubbed all the voices (both male and female), wrote the story, executed the animation, mixed the soundtrack, and prepared the audio-visual recording. In the history of animation competition in the Philippines, Jose Luis R. Buan is probably the 1st high-school student competitor.  Kudos to you kid!

A team of  pre-selection judges composed by notable artists in the local as well as international circuit, picked the winners from among a hundred or so entries.

According to Ms. Mayee Fabregas, a producer of various TV shows and multimedia production and is among the judges, their criteria is not as much of the technical as is the content of  the story.

Media Synergy Asia salutes the Pinoy Animators!

View Sneak Preview of THE HANDBOOK

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