IF THERE IS a misunderstood art form in Hong Kong, animation would be it. Thanks to the comical characters often depicted in mainstream animation films shown in local cinemas, this form of visual art is often seen as children's territory, which offers little depth. But the International Animation Festival 2003 is out to change that perception.
The festival, organised by RTHK, will show 65 animated shorts in an event designed to introduce local audiences to the world of animation and enhance its status in the movie industry.
From Oscar-winning works made in Europe to puppet shows from China, many of the movies touch on serious social ssues such as racism, environmental destruction and war, while others offer pure entertainment.
Running into its second year, the festival features nine screenings over six days, with each showing about a dozen shorts, each running from one to 15 minutes.
Elizabeth Wong Lo-tak, the executive producer of RTHK's general programmes section, says the festival comes after the success of its debut last year. That was met with an unexpectedly strong public interest.
Last May, the public broadcaster aired the programme 8 Beat on ATV, looking at the history and development of animation. The clips that accompanied the show apparently left many viewers spellbound. 'Many people called to ask how they could see the complete work of the clips. So we decided to organise a festival in August, which was very well-received. Many viewers then asked if there would be another one the following year. So we are back again,' Wong says.