The Information Bureau of Taichung City Government announced that nine animated films spanning different time and space, and covering four continents around the world will premiere at the "Taichung International Animation Festival (TIAF) 2021" from Oct. 8 to 13.
Taking place at the Kbro Cinema (凱擘影城), the festival's selected works this year will be diverse in themes, including women's rights efforts, strong artistic styles, and exposing the dark history of dictatorship, among others, while reflecting creative trends in recent years.
The nine films will include the Asian premiere of Argentina's "The Longlegged," Taiwanese premiere of UK's "Absolute Denial," Russia's "My Favorite War," and Brazil's "My Uncle José."
Taichung Film Development Foundation (TFDF) Executive Director Lin Shiau-chi (林筱淇) pointed out that the films to feature this year includes a number of new works shortlisted for Festival International du Film d'Animation d'Annecy, including "Absolute Denial," which contains elements of sci-fi and thriller, and magic-filled "Cryptozoo (怪奇獸樂園)."
There will also be films that focus on women's coming of age, such as "The Shaman Sorceress" from South Korea, which describes the protagonist who is both a sorceress and a mother. The plot uses family conflicts to represent the struggle of women in the face of tradition and reality.
The Information Bureau pointed out that the "TIAF Outdoor Theater" will be held on Sep. 25. The TIAF will offer animation activity in the afternoon of the same day, and in the evening, screen the classic animated film “Lion King” at the outdoor theater coupled with singing and dance performances, the bureau added.
Organized by the TFDF with support of the Information Bureau of Taichung City Government, TIAF is the only city film festival in Taiwan that features animation. Founded in 2015, TIAF has established itself as a major international animation festival that is popular among moviegoers and animators both at home and abroad.
(Photo credit : TIAF)