#USA #Los Angeles #XPPen #Annecy Festival #Graduation Film

XPPen Partners with Annecy Animation Festival for New Award

In an exciting move that showcases its commitment to fostering new artistic talent, XPPen has teamed up with the renowned Annecy International Animation Film Festival to create the inaugural XPPen Award for Graduation Films. This initiative aims to highlight and support the fresh voices in the world of animation, encouraging young creators from all corners of the globe.

This year’s award was presented to Haoyuan ZHU and Jiali TAN from China for their exceptional film titled “Won’t Be Here.” This collaboration emphasizes XPPen's dedication to nurturing creativity and innovation within the animation community.

Amplifying New Voices in Animation

The marketing director at XPPen, Amy Yuan, discussed the motivation behind establishing this award, stating, “We must amplify the voices of the new generation. When early-career creators receive visibility, their stories have the potential to shape the world of creation.” She expressed pride in witnessing such remarkable works presented during the festival, congratulating all the winners and creators involved.

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the animation industry, showcasing over 3,900 works from more than 100 countries this year alone. The Graduation Film category is specifically designed for students enrolled in animation programs, representing the pinnacle of student creativity and serving as a vital springboard for emerging talent.

Celebrating Student Creativity

By partnering with the festival to create this unique award, XPPen aims to provide more opportunities and mentorship for members of Generation Z. The prize not only recognizes excellence but also allows young creators to gain traction in an industry that is known to be highly competitive.

Among 45 shortlisted graduation films from 30 countries, ZHU and TAN stood out with “Won’t Be Here,” which showcases a distinctive artistic style. Their film beautifully captures subtle emotions through a rich palette of muted colors and masterfully long takes, creating a poetic atmosphere that resonates deeply with its audience.

This award reinforces the notion that animation is not merely an artistic tool; rather, it is a creative medium that transcends language barriers and reinterprets human experience. This mission aligns perfectly with XPPen’s objective to provide artists with the tools needed to turn their dreams into reality within the realm of digital art.

Empowering Creators with Cutting-edge Tools

As part of the XPPen Award, the winners received the Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) tablet, featuring an impressive refresh rate of 165Hz. It includes the dual X3 Pro stylus, offering 16,000 pressure levels and color accuracy verified by Calman (△E<1). These advanced features equip creators with precise insights and visual feedback as they work on intricate animations, allowing for the production of high-quality outputs.

In today's creative landscape, many Generation Z creators face significant barriers that hinder their access to professional-grade drawing tools. XPPen is dedicated to democratizing access to advanced digital art tools, thus unlocking endless possibilities for the next wave of creators in animation. “When we eliminate technological barriers and enhance creative connections, we can infuse new vitality into the world of digital art,” said Yuan.

Engaging the Animation Community

Beyond awarding the prizes, XPPen has also fostered fan engagement by inviting aspiring animators to the award ceremony through social media contests. This initiative reflects XPPen’s commitment to giving back and supporting passionate creators within the animation community.

Commitment to Animation's Future

With nearly two decades of dedication to digital art advancement, XPPen’s collaboration with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival signifies its commitment to innovating in animation arts and industry development. Looking ahead, XPPen plans to continue investing in initiatives such as the Ottawa Animation Festival and the 3D Community Challenge to nurture the growth and progress of the animation arts ecosystem.

For further details on future events or innovative products from XPPen, visit their official website.