The 2024 Seoul Indie-AniFest’s Web Animation Competition received a total of 58 submissions. There were numerous works that marked a new beginning, breaking away from the existing language of cinema to offer a new framework.
Following the purpose of this competition, the members of the jury considered what was most fitting for a web animation as we held heated discussions. But we concluded that the sphere of web animation does not have a specific form that must be adhered to. We confess that it was not easy to rank the submissions and select only a handful of finalists for the festival.
There were works full of incredible details, works with strong stories, and works that boasted cute and lovable characters. Each of the works felt alive with their own unique and impressive qualities.
Although we discussed whether to categorize the submissions into genres and introduce a cap, the jurors agreed that just as the Web itself is free and accessible, we ought to accept that quality in web animations as well.
We offer our applause to the selected animations, and we extend our deepest thanks and support to those works that were not chosen.
The rapid advancements in technology that are currently in progress fill us with both anticipation and fear. But the diverse new efforts seen in the submissions to the preliminary review remind us of the pitfall of letting our fears get in the way of attempting new things.
To everyone caught between their dreams and reality, we urge you not to give up or settle for less. Just as this year’s slogan represents making a strong effort together, as in a tug-of-war, we hope you will persevere and continue to show your love of animation for years to come. We applaud and thank everyone for all of their hard work.
Written by LEE Sunghwan on behalf of the Web Animation Preliminary Selection Jury Members LEE Sunghwan, LEE Hyejeong, HWANGBO Saebyul
