Out on the toon

Think Hong Kong animation talent and it's usually Raman Hui Shing-ngai who comes to mind. But there's more to the pool than the co-director of the Shrek movies. Over the past decade, independent animators here have gradually gained recognition. What's more, material exploring Hong Kong's cultural heritage and the complexities of modern life is winning competitions.

John Chan Yu-fung has been on a roll since he started entering contests to raise his profile. The Australia-trained artist first drew attention when his romantic short Foollee won the silver prize for animation at the 2003 Independent Film and Video Awards. Animation prizes at festivals in Seoul and San Francisco followed, enabling him to set up a studio, Postgal Workshop, with a partner the following year. Chan has since combined a portfolio of inventive animated ads for corporate clients such as Coca-Cola and Vitasoy with creative social commentary. His 2005 prize-winning short, Mum Is Born, is about two children dealing with a mother who suffers from amnesia.

'Hong Kong has talented animators - the problem is whether there are enough competitions or platforms where they can further develop their talent,' says Chan. 'We must first deliver the goods by winning overseas competitions to show we are top quality. Only then will people take notice.'

Chan's talents have been even more in demand since he won the top prize at the prestigious TBS DigiCon6 Video Festival in Tokyo last November for Hidden Elder, a 12-minute clip depicting the plight of the aged. The 31-year-old has been recruited by youth magazine East Touch to provide a weekly comic strip, starting this month, and commissioned to direct an animated Canto-pop video.

RTHK executive producer Elizabeth Wong Lo-tak has noted a steady improvement in the animation scene in the broadcaster's annual programme of shorts commissioned from independent artists. 'Technically, they are definitely on par with international standards,' she says.

Urban space, memory and history are recurring themes for many young animators. 'More young people and artists are expressing their concern over the disappearance of traditional Hong Kong values and architecture,' she says. 'Their works therefore have a strong local flavour and deal with topics related to the city.'