#USA #Los Angeles #XPPen #Haoyuan ZHU #Jiali TAN

XPPen Launches Inaugural Graduation Film Award

XPPen, a leader in digital art innovation, has made an exciting announcement by partnering with the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival for the launch of the inaugural XPPen Award for Graduation Films. This initiative is designed to spotlight emerging talents within the animation industry and to provide valuable support to young creators around the world. During this year’s festival, the award was presented to the talented duo Haoyuan ZHU and Jiali TAN from China for their remarkable graduation film, "Won't Be Here."

Elevating Voices of the New Generation

In a statement, XPPen’s marketing director, Amy Yuan, expressed the significance of this award, emphasizing the need to amplify the voices of the upcoming generation. “When creators receive visibility at a crucial point in their careers, their stories can shape the creative landscape," she explained. The festival featured over 3,900 entries from more than 100 countries this year, underscoring its status as one of the world's leading animation events. The Graduation Films category is specifically aimed at animation students, representing the pinnacle of student creativity and acting as a springboard for emerging talents in the industry.

By collaborating with Annecy to establish this special award, XPPen aims to provide greater opportunities and support to Gen Z creators. This collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to fostering creative talent and nurturing a vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Highlights of the Winning Film

Among the 45 graduation films shortlisted from 30 countries, "Won't Be Here" by ZHU and TAN stood out due to its distinct artistic style, capturing subtle emotions through a rich palette of muted colors and masterful long takes. The film creates a poetic atmosphere that resonates deeply with audiences. This award not only recognizes the artistic excellence evident in the film but also highlights the role of animation as a powerful medium that transcends language and reinterprets the human experience, aligning with XPPen’s mission of helping artists realize their digital art dreams.

Providing Advanced Tools for Future Success

As part of the XPPen Award, the winners received the Artist Pro 24 (Gen2), a groundbreaking tablet featuring a high refresh rate of 165 Hz, dual X3 Pro stylus, and 16K pressure sensitivity with color precision verified by Calman (△E<1). These advanced capabilities afford creators accurate previews and visual feedback when working with videos or complex images, enabling them to efficiently create high-quality animations.

In today’s creative world, Gen Z creators face significant barriers in accessing professional-grade drawing devices. XPPen is committed to democratizing access to advanced digital art tools, unlocking limitless possibilities for the next generation of creators in the animation narrative. “When we eliminate technological barriers and strengthen creative connections, we can inject more vitality into the world of digital art,” said Yuan.

Engaging with the Community

In addition to the award, XPPen encouraged community participation by offering aspiring animators invitations to the award ceremony through social media contests. This initiative reflects XPPen's dedication to giving back and supporting creative enthusiasts within the animation community.

Commitment to the Future of Animation

With nearly 20 years dedicated to the field of digital art, XPPen's partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival further reinforces its commitment to driving innovation within the animation arts and advancing the industry. Looking forward, XPPen plans to continue investing resources into initiatives like those at the Ottawa International Animation Festival and the 3D Community Challenge, fostering growth and development in the animation arts ecosystem. For more information about upcoming events or XPPen’s innovative products, please visit the XPPen Official Website.