Competition
GRAND PRIXThe Niigata International Animation Film Festival GRAND PRIX Award goes to a film that remains in your heart long after it has been watched. This film has something deeply profound to say about the awkwardness of being. This filmmaker and his team have magically created riveting drama from seemingly small incidents. Balancing humor, heart and allowing the audience to connect with the characters using his skilled understanding of the medium.
When Adam changes
Original title:Adam change lentement
Director:Joël Vaudreuil
KABUKU AwardThe Kabuku Award is a very unique award given at the Niigata International Animation Film Festival. The award derives from the term ‘kabuki-mono’, which was used around the 16th century (the Samurai period) to refer to those who dressed or acted in flamboyant ways that deviated from the norm. The jury have chosen to give this award to a film that elevates the ‘coming of age’ genre to new heights with extraordinarily beautiful animation and a deeply poetic expression of what it is to grow bigger than your wounds.
maboroshi
Original title:アリスとテレスのまぼろし工場
Director:Mari Okada
Evolve AwardThe Evolve Award. This award is dedicated to a film that pushes the medium of animation to new heights, creating a world of visual complexity and stunning technical achievement. The film being awarded with the Evolve Award celebrates a director and filmmaking team at the top of their artistic abilities, who have created a beautifully sophisticated film.
Mars Express
Original title:Mars Express
Director:Jérémie Périn
Honorable MentionThe Honorable Mention goes to a film that speaks to all audiences, without excluding younger children, a film that delves into history and makes the wonder of genius come alive before our eyes. This film beautifully imagines what it must have been like to live in the presence of one of history's greatest minds; Leonardo Da Vinci.
The Inventor
Original title:The Inventor
Director:Jim Capobianco/Pierre-Luc Granjon