The medium of moving images is changing at a faster and more breathless pace than ever before, and the wide range of original submissions we viewed attests to that. The members of the jury cherished the time we were given to experience the endless possibilities of the medium of animation. 

We saw web series, music videos, GIF animations, and more. Each work was not simply a combination of a genre and technique but also meant for diverse target platforms. Each work that we reviewed was a wholly new experience from the previous submission, and we endeavored to approach each one with new perspectives and criteria.

Like opening a mystery box, each viewing was a truly thrilling experience. 

For series submissions, we considered their episodic format and how well they were paced to create intriguing setups for the following episodes. Music videos were considered for how well they created a synergy between their visuals and music. Each work was considered based on whether it was true to its original purpose.

The selected works were all well-made in these respects. Whether they had a shorter or longer pace, they expressed themselves based on their respective structures in a persuasive manner. 

Just as the works that we reviewed were so diverse, the members of the jury also came from various fields, so our perspectives were quite different from each other, making the review process a delightful experience. 

In our long screening meetings, there were efforts at persuasion, heated discussions, and instances of regret, as well as thrilling moments when the vote was unambiguously unanimous. In the end, we arrived at a fundamental question, which has no right or wrong answer: “What is the limit of the medium of animation?” We wish to stress that the works which were not selected were not wrong in any way. Instead, we hope that many more works are created which pose fundamental questions in keeping with the era of rapidly changing media.

In conclusion, the 15 works selected for this section are a testament to the vast spectrum that exists within animation. We are glad that these works can be presented at Seoul Indie-AniFest. We hope that you will open the gift box that we have prepared and feel the thrill that we experienced as members of the audience.

Written by Gyuri Cloe LEE on behalf of the Web Animation Preliminary Selection Committee (Gyuri Cloe LEE, LIM Yong-gi, and JO Yeseul)