Fanning the Frames of Passion through Animahenasyon
By Santi Buenviaje
January 20, 2025
A creative discipline at the crossroads of artistry and technology, animation is taking the spotlight in the Philippines being a go-to destination for animation outsourcing, with countless international companies trusting the exceptional artistry and creative vision of Filipino animators.
Animahenasyon, the country’s annual animation festival, held its 18th edition serving talented individuals to showcase new ideas, open doors to opportunities, and connect with influential figures in the industry.
Daniel Enriquez, executive director of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) describes the Filipino animation industry as a burgeoning hub of creativity and skill, with animators eager to create meaningful and original content. Supporting this industry is crucial for cultivating a thriving ecosystem of talent and ensuring sustainability. It’s not enough that we teach them how to fish; we also need to teach them where and how to sell the fish,” Enriquez said.
This highlights a core challenge for many local animators: balancing artistry with the business of animation. Filipino creators often juggle service work—providing animation for international studios—as their “bread and butter,” while striving to produce original content that reflects their unique stories and vision. Service work sustains their livelihood, but pursuing original content fulfills their creative aspirations and can elevate the global recognition of Filipino animation.
The Journey Behind the Top 10 Animated Films
From an initial pool of 93 entries, the selection process for this year’s top animated film submissions began with a pre-screening phase that reduced the contenders down to 60, followed by an even more meticulous evaluation to determine the final 10. A panel of esteemed judges, known for their expertise in animation, undertook this responsibility with a focus on artistry, storytelling, and technical excellence.
The winners of this year’s Animahenasyon Awards are as follows: Fishy Dish by Maria Casandra O. Salarza received both the Animahenasyon Audience Choice Award and the Toon City Choice Award. Sugar Fire by Ben John Sy wins the John Martin Award. The Grand Prize Winner in the Student Division is Daisy by Joffrey "Pepot" Atienza, while Kampana by Mark Mendoza claims the Grand Prize in the Professional Division.
The themes explored in the selected films span a wide emotional range. From lighthearted stories of friendship to deeply moving narratives tackling mature and sensitive issues, each film demonstrates the depth and versatility of Filipino animators. “It’s really a labor of love,” Enriquez noted, emphasizing the dedication required to succeed in animation. Beyond technical mastery, animators pour their energy and passion into their craft, ensuring their stories leave a lasting impact on audiences.
“The theme would always be Filipino,” shared Enriquez, underscoring the cultural identity at the heart of these films. Beyond their cultural roots, the winning entries stood out for their exceptional storytelling and visual brilliance. The diversity among creators was another highlight, showcasing works by solo animators, collaborative teams, students, and professionals. Despite their varying backgrounds, these animators shared a common goal: to create original, independent content that reflects their passion for the art form.
About CREATEPhilippines and CITEM
CREATEPhilippines is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that showcases the Philippines' creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.
It brings together the creative industries and champions local talent by organizing events that create an enabling environment for the creative ecosystem to learn, network, and seize opportunities in the Philippines and beyond.
As a content and community platform, it promotes the creative industries and its products and services. It also offers a database to help Filipino creatives become searchable to a global audience looking for talent.
CREATEPhilippines is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).
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The Top 10 Finalists of Animahenasyon18: The 2024 Philippine Animation Festival
Synopsis Source: MUBI, Cinemata |
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Kampana by Mark Mendoza of Friendly Foes
Life is good in Padre Pi’s town because of his magical bell. But what about the other towns? Society crumbles in this short animated film. |
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Daisy by Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza of Pepot Art
In the depths of darkness lies a music box, which opens to reveal a young girl dressed in a petal dress. As the spotlight illuminates her, she discovers her ability to make music with her movements, which engages her to dance. Unbeknownst to her, eerie eyes observe her dance, causing petals to pluck out from her dress. |
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Silbi by Danica Sy of iAcademy
In an anthropomorphic world, herb seller Silbi is a Philippine eagle who buries her trauma under a layer of cheerfulness. However when past scars come back to haunt her, Silbi can no longer hide from it. |
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Sibol by Nathaniel Rey Feratero of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
Inggo, a boy who lives in a province, dreams of pursuing a career in agriculture. |
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Fishy Dish by Maria Casandra O. Salarza of Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan
A mermaid always receives baked goods from her human friend. One day, she wants to return the favor by making the human a cake. Silliness ensues when the mermaid realizes that she doesn’t have the right ingredients underwater. |
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Litrato by Janna Santos of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
This story is about a closeted individual named Eris who lives in a religious household with her older sister, Ani, and her conservative mother, Amelia. Eris must do all she can to hide her secret relationship from her mother. Will her mother love and accept her if she finds out or not? |
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Sugarfire by Ben John Sy
A story about a farm girl, folk magic, injustice, and an uprising. |
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Laban Jo by Dominic Zulueta of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
Late at night, a high schooler named Jo argues with his friend about quitting varsity and becoming a superhero, only to be confronted by his father, Inigo, who knows the truth. |
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Yakap ng Isang Bituin by Eldin Ronley Mangaoang of iAcademy
A Filipino single mother, Andrea, works really hard in providing the best for her young daughter, Bituin. However, a pandemic challenges them as a family and shows the struggles of being a single mother. |
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Aiayai by Mark Mendoza of Friendly Foes
A creative girl confronts AI. |
