After a colorful week full of screenings, conferences, workshops, positive emotions, and other attractions, the winners of the 4th CRAFT International Animation Festival in Malang, East Java, Indonesia are here.
 
International Competition Jury (Hafidz Azroi, Sirada Chitvathananont, Phil Mitchell, Hassan Muthalib) decided to grant Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie 'Kuumba Umbo / Birth of Form' by  Ekaterina Ogorodnikova | Belgium, United States, for "an imaginative rendering of the lost of culture, traditions, and innocence in the modern days".

The birth of form is the birth of the world. From our early childhood to our last breath, we as humans learn about the world around us and try to find our place in it. One African mask can reveal a whole spectrum of human culture, its origins and the transformation that takes place to produce the art that decorates the museums of the world - Film Synopsis

Strong Craft Basis Award for the Best Student Movie goes to 'Curiosa' by Tessa Moult-Milewska (production: National Film and Television School, UK), for "a dark humorous cinematic exploration of human relationship".

The Southeast Asia Competition Jury (Anastasiya Verlinskaya, Grzegorz Wacławek, Chi-Sui Wang) granted the Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie 'The Dalang's Tale' by Irwan Junaidy, Maizura Abas, 'Atiqah Mohd Abu Bakar (production:  The R&D Studio,  Malaysia), "for its exceptional approach to the challenging topic of domestic violence".

Strong Craft Basis Award for the Best Student Movie goes to 'Tankboy' by Novella (Production: Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore, "for a great combination of perfect timing, amazing design and a touching story that lots of us have experienced".

The adult audience in the International Competition chose for their Award  'Swallow Flying to the South' by Mochi Lin  (production: Rhode Island School of Design, US); in the Southeast Asia Competition, the winner was 'Splish Splash' by Andra Fembriarto  (production: Amarana Studio, Indonesia). 

In the Shorts for Kids competition, children chose 'Kids In Winter' by Maing Caochong  (China).

Curiosa

The Full Lineup of Winners

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION OF TRADITIONAL/CLASSICAL & STOP-MOTION ANIMATION AWARDS

1. Professional Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie in The International Competition
KUUMBA UMBO / Birth of Form | Director: Ekaterina Ogorodnikova | Belgium, United States

Jury statement: An imaginative rendering of the lost of culture, traditions, and innocence in the modern days.

2. Strong Craft Basis Award for the Best Student Movie in The International Competition
CURIOSA | Director: Tessa Moult-Milewska | Production: National Film and Television School | United Kingdom

Jury statement: A dark humorous cinematic exploration of human relationship.

3. Audience Award in The International Competition
SWALLOW FLYING TO THE SOUTH | Director: Mochi Lin | Production: Rhode Island School of Design | United States

4. International Competition Special Mention for Taking Social Issue
NIGHT | Director: Ahmad Saleh | Production: Fabian & Fred Production | Palestine, Germany, Jordan, Qatar 

Jury Statement: A Special Mention for foregrounding a very relevant world issue.

5. International Competition Special Jury Mention
PUPPET STORY | Director: Park se hong | Production: Movingdoll Studio | South Korea

Jury Statement: This film is given a Special Mention for a self-reflective look at the fate of a traditional artist.

6. International Competition Special Mention for Traditional 2D Animation Technique
THE SAUSAGE RUN | Director Thomas Stellmach | Germany

Jury statement: A dark sophisticated reflection on all the different ages of animation.

SOUTHEAST ASIA COMPETITION OF SHORT ANIMATIONS AWARDS
7. Professional Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie in Southeast Asia

Competition
THE DALANG'S TALE | Director: Irwan Junaidy, Maizura Abas, 'Atiqah Mohd Abu Bakar | Production: The R&D Studio | Malaysia

Jury Statement: “The jury awards the Professional Craft Award for the Best Professional Movie to the film 'The Dalang's Tale' for its exceptional approach to the challenging topic of domestic violence. The film evokes deep emotions and portrays dramatic family relationships, combining intricate animation with insightful character analysis. The creators captivate with unique aesthetics and sensitivity, depicting the complex emotions of the victims of violence. The film not only raises awareness about this crucial societal issue but also raises significant questions about individual and societal responsibility. This award recognizes the excellent technical execution and profound content of the film. We congratulate the creators for their sensitivity and courage in addressing this difficult topic through animation."

8. Strong Craft Basis Award for the Best Student Movie in The Southeast Asia Competition
TANKBOY| Director: Novella | Production: LASALLE College of the Arts | Singapore

Jury Statement: “Dictionary says that “longing” is a feeling of wanting something or someone very much. It also means to miss something, like something you used to call a home. It's especially hard when you are just a kid. For a great combination of perfect timing, amazing design and a touching story that lots of us have experienced, the Strong Craft Basis Award for the Best Student Movie goes to TANKBOY by Novella.”

9. Audience Award in The Southeast Asia Competition
SPLISH SPLASH / org. Cipak Cipuk | Director: Andra Fembriarto | Production: Amarana Studio | Indonesia

10. Polish Audience Award in Southeast Asia Competition
TRAFFIC LIGHT | Director: Qing Sheng Ang | Singapore

11. Southeast Asia Competition Special Mention for 2D Animation Technique
LITTLE MISS DUNGJAI | Directors: Pattama Homrod, Primp Surapakpinyo | Production: Rangsit University | Thailand

"The jury awards a Special Mention for 2D Animation Technique for bold experiments and innovative fusion of various animation techniques, including 2D animation. The film stands out for its creative blend of traditional and modern techniques, contributing to the creation of a unique and captivating narrative. The filmmaker demonstrated a deep understanding of 2D animation techniques, pushing their boundaries and crafting something entirely new. Congratulations for the creative approach and courage in exploring the possibilities of different animation techniques."

12. Southeast Asia Special Mention for Taking Social Issue
TRAFFIC LIGHT | Director: Qing Sheng Ang | Singapore

The director astutely found a harmonious resolution within the chaotic yet rhythmic array of languages and the representation of various social strata. In a way it effectively employed the unique animated audiovisual language to showcase the diverse ethnic characteristics of Singapore while waiting at a red traffic light.

13. Southeast Asia Special Mention for Taking Social Issue
THE ARCHIPELAGO | Directors: Azalia Muchransyah, Firman Wijasmara | Production: Lanting Animation | Indonesia

SHORTS FOR KIDS COMPETITION AWARDS

14. Best Short Animation for Kids
KIDS IN WINTER | Director: Maing Caochong | China

The 4th CRAFT International Animation Festival took place 23-28 October 2023.

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