Animated features – particularly blockbusters from the likes of Studio Ghibli and Pixar – have long been popular in Hong Kong. Yet the city is not known for producing works of its own in the genre.This may change, as a small number of local artists, educators and filmmakers are patiently making waves on the international festival circuit with experimental animations. For example, in 2025, the Hong Kong animated dark fantasy film Another World by Point Five Creations was released to critical acclaim.ANOTHER WORLD | Official Trailer“The mainstream industry has this focus on anime and Disney, while the more experimental, niche side [of animation] is often overlooked,” says Sophie Colfer, an English-Japanese filmmaker and writer who was raised in Hong Kong and has worked internationally.Colfer was brought up in a family that celebrated animation and its structural diversity.“I grew up with a love for more experimental work,” she says. “Being Japanese meant that the door was open to niche anime series that went beyond hits like Fullmetal Alchemist or Naruto.”Nurturing the communityColfer is among a handful in her field who have been flying the flag for Hong Kong. Her 2023 directorial debut, Telsche – a conceptual, abstract short film about love and loss – premiered at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. The event is widely regarded as the “Oscars of animation”.
Hong Kong animations are finally turning heads. Meet the artists behind them
Hong Kong animators making waves at global festivals talk about growing the city’s niche but resilient industry and the challenges they face.
TL;DRAI
Hong Kong animators gain global recognition with 'Another World' (2025) and 'Telsche' (2023) premiering at Annecy, establishing local experimental animation internationally. Emerging creative talent signals opportunity for tech teams in VFX, game development, and AI-creative tools targeting or expanding in Asia.
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