British Animation Awards Film Festival
Animation is not limited to amusing children any more. Through the ages animation has gone through a metamorphosis. Today, while animated films like Toy Story or Madagaskar are becoming a global phenomenon among the young and the young at heart, animated satires like South Park or The Simpsons are targeted towards a more adult crowd. Animation is widely used in films and TV commercials as well. 'Fido Dido' from the 7up commercials has become a familiar character in our country.
Syed Masud Hossain, Culture and Science Programme Manager of British Council Bangladesh, says, "This festival showcases a compilation of best animation in 19 different categories such as short films, TV graphics, new technologies, sound and music. I'm astounded by the response we've received regarding this event. Our auditorium has a seating capacity of 250 people and almost every day, we had more people than we can accommodate. Aspiring animators and individuals working at ad agencies are showing an immense interest in the programme as it covers cutting edge technology used in contemporary British animation.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "This is the first time we've arranged a film festival featuring animation and since we've received an outstanding response, we are contemplating future festivals and screenings similar to this."
Although there is significant number of animation enthusiasts in our country, festivals highlighting British animation have not taken place previously. This festival has been possible, thanks to the production of Best of BAA 1994-2004, a series of five DVDs.
Each day 10-12 titles are screened. The length of the features vary from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. Some of the notable animations being screened are: The Wrong Brothers by Steven Weston, The Cramp Twins by Becky Bristow, Eddie & the Bear by Tony Collingwood, Mr Grimby's Video Diary by Neil Jack and Swag by Daniel Edwards.
Maxim, a 9-year-old who had watched Scat, the Stringalong Cat, says he really enjoyed the show and hopes there would be similar "fun" shows on a regular basis. Hasan Imam, a student of Institute of Fine Arts said, "This show has presented several intriguing concepts that can inspire students. British Council's efforts are really commendable."
The festival ends today.