The patches of light hiding underground throughout the night have hatched at dawn, giving rise to many colorful rays. The lights wriggle and spread out, shiftingand dancing, as if they had been anxiously awaiting this moment. They dancewith the clouds, the birds, and even the rain.

The perspectives and thoughts scattered across our lives have been folded intothese animated films and released into the world. There were works that were  lovable, works that made us sweat with anxiety, and works whose overwhelming beauty left our mouths gaping. Perhaps it is due to our modern times and the  creators’ age, but we felt there were many films that expressed the worries and  pains carried by today’s young people. Witnessing others experiencing the same pains brought us both tears and comfort.

If there was a point that was lacking, considering that these are student animations,there seemed to be relatively few experimental works this year. Perhaps it is anatural trend, but there is a certain authenticity and spirit present inexperimental expressions, without which we can’t avoid feeling that something is missing.

Our screening time is limited, and there are so many good films, so choosing which  ones get to be screened was a daunting task. How wonderful would it be if we could present all of them? Although there is no right answer to creativity, we considered a combination of factors in our review process, including eachwork’s degree of finish, whether the method of expression was suitable for its message, and the appropriateness of its running time. This difficult processled us to select 18 animations.

Not being chosen does not negate the energy and effort that went into an animation. All of your films will eventually find their spotlights. Your thoughts and  perspectives held within your films will surely offer guidance about life and a step forward to those who have lost their way.

We hope the day of the festival offers a space and a stage where you can dance and be  yourself.

Written by PARK Yuseon on behalf of the First Flight Preliminary Selection Jury Members KANG Minji, PARK Yuseon, JinnyHyejin CHOO