The Hiroshima 2012: International Animation Festival has done pretty well for itself since its debut in 1985. It is now considered one of the four most respected animation festivals in the world.
The festival is held every two years in Hiroshima and this year marks its 14th edition.
This year saw 2,110 entries for the competition of which 66 of the nominated works will be screened Aug. 23-26. The awards will be presented on Aug. 27 and judges include animated films director Aleksandra Korejwo and filmmaker Igor Kovalyov.
Peter Lord, who is famous for claymation films such as "Wallace & Gromit," is the International honorary president of this year's festival. Lord lauded the event on its website and says he is particularly delighted that "youthful energy continually challenges the assumptions of older generations."
There will also be opportunities to see Lord's work — the Academy Award-nominated films "Adam"(1992), "Wat's Pig" (1996), and a new piece "The Pirates! Band of Misfits"(2012).
Along with the films, there will also be seminars and special programs aimed at young animators. A festival market looks to showcase the works of students from some of Japan's top universities and colleges.
The 14th International Animation Festival: Hiroshima 2012 will be take place on August 23 to 27 at Aster Plaza, Hiroshima. There are three kinds of tickets: one program, one day and all program passes. Tickets cost ¥1,000 to ¥12,000 for adults.For more information, call (082) 245-0245 or visit hiroanim.org (English).