‘Sopa Fria’ takes the Jury Special award, while ‘Fire’ takes the Best Student Project award in the annual animated film competition; winners and other top contenders to screen at the Electronic Theater next week at the conference, held this year in Tokyo, Japan.
The SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 Computer Animation Festival (CAF), Asia's premier computer-generated animation and visual effects event, has announced the winners of this year’s competition. With entries from around the world showcasing the year's best works, the festival continues to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and technical artistry shaping the future of animation.
This year's festival received 361 submissions from 31 countries, reflecting a rich diversity of styles, stories, and techniques. Watch the official CAF Trailer below.
From this pool of entries, four exceptional films have been awarded top honors by a panel of judges. The list of award winners is as follows:
Best in Show Award
Au 8ème Jour (France)
Contributors & Directors: Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois from Piktura
Producer: Carlos De Carvalho from Piktura
Description: It took 7 days to create the world, it only took one to disrupt its balance.
Jury's Special Award
Sopa Fria (Portugal)
Contributor: Emanuel Oliveira from AGENCIA – Portuguese Short Film Agency
Director: Marta Monteiro
Producers: Vanessa Ventura and Nuno Amorim from ANIMAIS AVPL, Claire Beffa and Sidonie Garnier from La Clairière Ouest
Description: Sopa Fria explores domestic violence through a deeply layered narrative and visual approach. The film operates on two levels: one portrayed through hand-drawn animations reflecting the protagonist's daily life and perceptions, and another through "found footage" like photographs and symbolic imagery that deepen the narrative's metaphoric meaning. The protagonist's emotions—fear, anger, sadness, and insecurity—are conveyed not only through her actions but also by immersing her in evocative visual and auditory worlds.
The House is more than a setting; it becomes an active character, symbolizing danger, oppression, and isolation. Its oppressive behavior mirrors the husband’s violence, tightening its hold around the protagonist during moments of vulnerability. Yet, in the presence of others, the House "acts normal," masking the reality within its walls, reflecting the silent complicity often associated with abuse.
Best Student Project Award
Courage (France)
Contributors & Directors: Margot Jacquet, Nathan Baudry, Marion Choudin, Jeanne Desplanques, Lise Delcroix, Salomé Cognon from Supinfocom Rubika
Producer: Philippe Meis from Supinfocom Rubika
Description: When Anna, an Olympic athlete, finds herself behind in the race, she redoubles her efforts with the aim of winning the competition and never disappoint again. But as she pushes herself beyond her limits, she burns out. She then has to face the wave of judgment that comes with dropping out.
Honorable Mention Award
Fire (France)
Contributor: Laure Goasguen from Miyu Distribution
Directors: Baptiste Fraboul, Léna Gittler, Esther Lamassoure, Julie Le Forban, Florent Sabuco, Valentin Serre from Miyu Distribution
Producer: Julien DEPARIS from ENSI
Description: Time seems to stand still as a fire approaches.
Enjoy the festival trailer:
The SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 Computer Animation Festival is curated by the Computer Animation Festival Chair Yoriko Ito, Independent Art Director, Consultant & Educator for Animation, and Computer Animation Festival Producer Hana Shiota, Polygon Pictures. Screenings will take place in the Electronic Theater and Animation Theater at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 in Tokyo International Forum.
"As part of the festivities, three prestigious awards will be presented: Best Student Project, Jury Special, and Best in Show, along with an Honorable Mention for a standout work deserving special recognition", said Yoriko Ito, CAF Chair. "This year’s CAF promises to be a true celebration of innovation and artistic excellence, offering a glimpse into the future of animation. Don’t miss this chance to experience the extraordinary creativity that is shaping the industry today."
Source: SIGGRAPH Asia 2024
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
