XPPen Launches First XPPen Award at Annecy Animation Festival to Inspire Emerging Artists

XPPen Partners with Annecy International Animation Film Festival to Launch XPPen Award for Graduation Films

XPPen, a leader in digital art innovation, has formed a significant partnership with the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival to introduce the inaugural XPPen Award for graduation films. This initiative is designed to empower the next generation of talent within the animation industry, providing future artists the recognition and support they need at the cusp of their careers.

The XPPen Award was initiated as a part of this year’s festival, showcasing outstanding works from animation students worldwide. The prestigious award was bestowed upon Haoyuan ZHU and Jiali TAN from China for their remarkable animation titled "Won't Be Here." This project captivated the jury, showcasing a unique artistic style complemented by a rich palette of muted colors, alongside masterful long shots that delicately capture subtle emotions, creating a poetic ambience.

The Motivation Behind the Award

Amy Yuan, the Marketing Director at XPPen, articulated the driving force behind establishing this award, stating, "We need to amplify the voices of the new generation. Visibility at the early stage of a creative’s career can shape their narrative and influence the creative landscape. We are grateful to witness such remarkable works at this year’s festival. Congratulations to all winners and creatives!"

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is renowned as one of the premier animation festivals globally, spotlighting over 3,900 submissions from more than 100 countries this year. The category for graduation films is specially designed for students in animation programs, serving as a critical platform for burgeoning creators. Through collaboration with Annecy, XPPen aims to offer further opportunities and support to Generation Z creatives, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a vibrant creative ecosystem.

Recognizing Talent Through Innovation

Out of 45 selected graduation films from 30 countries, ZHU and TAN's project stood out, earning the XPPen Award. This recognition underscores the fact that animation transcends mere artistic expression; it is a medium capable of overcoming language barriers and reinterpreting human experiences. The mission of XPPen, centered around enabling artists to realize their dreams of digital artistry, perfectly aligns with this vision.

As part of their reward, the winners received the advanced Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) drawing tablet, boasting a remarkable 165 Hz refresh rate and cutting-edge features such as two X3 Pro pens, 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, and Calman-certified color accuracy (△E<1). Such high-level tools provide creatives with enhanced previews and visual feedback crucial for producing high-quality animations.

Today, Generation Z creators often face significant challenges when acquiring professional drawing equipment. XPPen seeks to democratize access to advanced digital art tools, opening up limitless possibilities for the new generation of animated storytellers. Yuan emphasized, "By removing technological barriers and strengthening creative connections, we can infuse more vitality into the world of digital art."

Further showcasing its commitment to the creative community, XPPen encouraged fan engagement by inviting up-and-coming animators to the award ceremony through social media contests. This initiative reflects XPPen’s desire to give back and support enthusiastic creators within the animation community.

Looking Ahead to the Future

XPPen's collaboration with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival highlights nearly two decades of dedication towards advancing digital art innovation and industry's progress. Committed to ongoing support for initiatives like the Ottawa International Animation Festival and the 3D Community Challenge, XPPen aims to continue fostering the growth and evolution of the animation art ecosystem. For more information on upcoming events or innovative products from XPPen, please visit their official website.