Animation festival celebrates a decade in Wagga
Author: Emily Malone
Publication Date: Monday, 6 May 2013
Over 10 years the Australian International Animation Festival (AIAF) has shown more than a thousand films selected from 25 000 entries world-wide, and co-founder Mr Andrew Hagan from Charles Sturt University (CSU) is as passionate about the event now as he was when it began.
A lecturer at CSU's School of Communication and Creative Industries, Mr Hagan said the 10thannual festival in Wagga Wagga from Friday 10 May will feature an eclectic mix of more than 100 short films."The range of styles, genres and techniques is testament to the vibrancy and relevance of creative animation," he said. "A series of free workshops by filmmakers from Australia and overseas will give an insight into how and why these films get made."
Films made by two current CSU students and one recent graduate have claimed a place in the highly competitive Australian showcase.
"The Australian showcase is judged by peer animators and other institutions, so it's wonderful to have the work of three Charles Sturt University students selected," said Mr Hagan. "It's certainly empowering for the course and it's just great to give these students the recognition they deserve."
CSU Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Visual Effects) graduate Mr Benjamin Wotton is thrilled his film Dragon will be included in the festival.
"It is always filled with such great artists with amazing talent and I feel truly overwhelmed to be among them," he said.
Mr Wotton said studying at CSU has set him up for his career as a visual effects artist.
"It brought me up-to-date with industry-standard software and practise, and helped refine my eye for detail, allowing me to increase the quality of my work," he said. "It also provided invaluable opportunities to work in a team, both in a leading role like in Dragon, and also in smaller roles as I assisted my classmates with their own projects."
Ms Alice Markham who is in her second year of study of a Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Visual Effects) at CSU will have her work, A Bird's Song shown at the festival, along with Reds Under the Beds by Bachelor of Arts (Visual and Performing Arts) (Honours) student Mr Philip Henderson.
Reflecting on his decade-long involvement with the Australian International Animation Festival, Mr Hagan said it has far reaching effects.
"The festival began as an opportunity to screen international student films for people who were interested in animation, and it's now internationally renowned.
"People from rural communities have the same creativity, skills and drive as those working in the big international studios. The festival provides a platform for animators to be recognised and it has brought the world to Wagga Wagga.
"The hub of creativity here at Charles Sturt University has also gone the other way, with our students winning awards overseas, so it has been a really inspiring endeavour," said Mr Hagan.
ends
Media contact: Emily Malone, (02) 6933 2207
Media Note:
The Australian International Animation Festival will be at the Forum 6 Cinema, Trail Street, Wagga Wagga from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 May. Tickets available from the Forum 6 Cinema, festival pass $40, single session $12 and kids program $6. Read the full program here. Please be aware that admission is restricted to 15+, except for the Late Night Bizarre, Animation Xcess and A Liar’s Autobiography which is restricted to those aged over 18. The kids program is open to all ages. Contact CSU Media for interviews.