#France #XPPen #Annecy Film Festival #Graduation Film #Annecy

XPPen Partners with Annecy Film Festival for New Award

XPPen, a leading name in digital art technology, has made headlines by partnering with the prestigious 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival to introduce the inaugural XPPen Award for Graduation Films. This initiative is designed to recognize and support emerging talent within the animation industry, with the purpose of providing a platform for young creators across the globe.

During this year's festival, which received over 3,900 submissions from more than 100 countries, the award was granted to Haoyuan ZHU and Jiali TAN from China, celebrating their remarkable film titled “Won't Be Here”. Amy Yuan, the Marketing Director at XPPen, highlighted the need to amplify the voices of new creators at the beginning of their careers, stating, "When these artists are given visibility, their stories can profoundly shape the creative landscape."

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is known as one of the most significant events in the animation calendar, showcasing the pinnacle of student creativity through its designated Graduation Film category. This category serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring artists, reflecting the innovative spirit of the next generation. The collaboration between XPPen and the festival aims to open doors for Gen Z creators, emphasizing XPPen's commitment to nurturing artistic talent.

Celebrating Artistic Excellence

Out of 45 shortlisted films from 30 countries, “Won't Be Here” stood out not only for its artistic style but also for its ability to convey profound emotions through a delicate palette of muted colors and masterful long takes. The film challenges the boundaries of language, affirming animation's role as a universal medium of storytelling aligned with XPPen's mission of 'Bringing Artists the Surprise of Realizing the Dream of Digital Art.'

As part of the award, winners ZHU and TAN were presented with the Artist Pro 24 (Gen2) tablet, noted for being the world's first 165Hz high refresh rate drawing display. This tablet, equipped with the X3 Pro dual styli and Calman-verified color accuracy, is designed to empower creators through precision and enhanced visual feedback, equipping them to produce high-quality animations effectively.

Empowering the Next Generation

XPPen recognizes that Gen Z creators often encounter significant barriers in accessing high-quality digital drawing tools. By breaking down these technological obstacles, the brand aspires to foster a vibrant ecosystem for emerging artists. "When barriers are removed and creative connections are established, we are able to infuse greater vitality into the field of digital art," remarked Yuan.

Beyond the award, XPPen engaged with its community by inviting aspiring animators to participate in social media contests, offering them a chance to attend the award ceremony. This initiative reflects XPPen's goal of supporting and inspiring future talent in the animation community.

Dedication to Animation Arts

With nearly two decades of expertise in the digital art industry, XPPen continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation within the animation sector. This partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival signifies a strategic move to catalyze progress in the animation arts, with plans to support further initiatives such as the Ottawa International Animation Festival and various challenges in the 3D community.

For anyone interested in following XPPen’s initiatives or exploring their innovative products, further details can be accessed via the official XPPen website. As the animation industry continues to evolve, XPPen remains committed to being a catalyst for creativity and artistic excellence.