Nepal's first 3D animated short film competition

KATHMANDU, Feb 2: Maya Animation Academy(M2A), the only authorized Autodesk® Training center in Nepal, organized a press meet at Moods Studio Lounge, Tripureshwor on January 31 to call for applications from all Nepali animators from around the world to participate in the ‘One Film 3D Animation Challenge 2011’, Nepal’s first 3D animated short film competition.[break]



“There is an investment of about $210 billion in the animation industry,” said Indra Lal Balami, Managing Director, Maya Animation Academy.



“We hope that Nepali 3D animation films will expose yet another aspect of Nepal to the world,” opined Balami.



Short animated films were screened at the event to highlight the impacts of animated films. ‘Nepal’, a short animated movie produced by M2A, was screened followed by a video which explained how it was made. ‘Kharayo Le Harayo’ - a short animated film produced by students - was also played.



“I initiated the animation business back in 1991 and we are in this state after 20 years,” said Karun Thapa, President of Computer Graphics Association and Member of Film Selection Committee.



The organizers also announced the opening of the new branch of M2A at Pulchowk. Amar Giri, President of Nepal Film Development Board, launched 1film3d.maya-animation.com - the official website of One Film 3D Animation Challenge.



“This is a historical event as it is the first of its kind in Nepal,” said Amar Giri, adding, “There is a huge potential of foreign investment in the animation industry in Nepal.”



According to the organizers, competitors should register by February 28 paying a registration fee of Rs 1000. They will make a two-to-eight-minute-long 3D animated film in Nepali or any other regional language. The contestants will be announced on March 7.



The competitors will have to complete the movie in about six and a half months. They should submit the movie by September 15.



The films will be screened during the movie festival at QFX Kumari Cinema from October 17 to October 21. The SMS voting campaign will also start along with the movie festival.



The winner or his /her team will receive the ‘One Film 3D Animation Award’ along with the cash prize of Rs 500,000 during the award ceremony scheduled to be held on November 5. The winning film will also be sent to the International Animation Festival for competition.



Entry forms can be downloaded from the competition website at 1film3d.maya-animation.com.



For further information log on to 1film3d.maya-animation.com

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