Mayor of Taichung City

The fourth edition of the Taichung International Animation Festival (TIAF) is due to be held in October again. Not only this is an important cultural event for the artists but a great opportunity for the audience to see animated films from all over the world. Moreover, the cultural exchange between Taiwanese filmmakers and their counterparts from other countries would push Taiwanese animation onto the international stage and be seen by a wider audience in the spotlight.

Thanks to the effort the programming team have put in, the TIAF is expanded, showcasing many eagerly anticipated new films. First of all, we are honored to have Baryon, directors Jo-Jo and Mo Monster's first animated feature, as the opening film and A Dog's Life directed by veteran filmmaker Chang Yi as the closing film. This is the first time that both opening and closing films are made by Taiwanese filmmakers. During the Festival, a large number of filmmakers from abroad have come to Taiwan to share their experience with the audience. They include British animator Paul Bush (Director in Focus), the renowned French animation company Cube Creative (Studio in Focus) and the celebrated Japanese animation master Sadao Tsukioka.

This year, more than two thousand submissions to the Short Film Competition were received, and one hundred films are selected as the finalists. Coming from twentysix countries, many of the finalists have been screened at the four major international animation festivals and will hold their Taiwanese premieres at the TIAF. It is worth mentioning that the nominated Taiwanese animations have demonstrated a brand-new look in terms of subject matters and aesthetics. Furthermore, the newly established Short Film Projects' Pitching Award has attracted many investors and production companies.

The film and television industries and the market for audiovisual products in Taichung are flourishing. Taking the advantages the city has, the Taichung City Government aims to make Taichung a friendly city for international film and television production. In addition to collaborating with the Taichung Film Development Foundation, several projects such as Central Taiwan Film Studios, Central Taiwan Cinema Center and Zhong Shan 73 Cinema and Art Space are under construction.

After four years' hard work, the TIAF has established itself as the "Taichung Film Festival" with unique characters. Here we express our staunchest support and encouragement for animators. Lastly, we would like to invite everyone to come to Taichung to take part in this fantastic international animation festival!