(Asia Financial Observer — Reporter Jiu, Tokyo, Nov. 22)
On November 21, the “Animation Without Boundaries · Intelligent Creation for the Future” Animation Creation Exchange Week opened at Jilin Animation Institute. Industry experts and scholars from 13 countries—including China, Finland, Italy, and Hungary—attended the event to share creative experience, explore the development paths of animation art in the digital era, and conduct in-depth discussions on AI-driven industrial transformation.
At the opening ceremony, Zhang Zhiwei, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee, noted that Jilin’s animation industry has developed rapidly in recent years, gaining increasing brand influence. He stated that the event will further inspire creative vitality and promote cross-sector integration and high-quality development of the animation industry both regionally and nationwide.
Zheng Liguo, Chairman and President of Jilin Animation Institute, emphasized that the animation industry is at a pivotal moment as artificial intelligence reshapes its structure. Animation creation boundaries continue to expand, artistic expression grows more innovative, and industrial ecosystems are undergoing accelerated reconstruction. He added that the institute is committed to shifting animation education from skill-based training to innovation-driven cultivation, expanding from traditional disciplines to interdisciplinary fields, and extending from classroom learning to industry practice. In the future, the institute will deepen the integration of industry and education, merge technology with art, and promote innovative development of animation education. It looks forward to strengthening cooperation with ASIFA and institutions and enterprises worldwide, jointly building platforms for educational and technological innovation, and developing collaborative cultural industry mechanisms. Leveraging the Shuangyang Industry-Education Integrated Campus, the institute aims to create a new landmark featuring “Education + Technology + Entrepreneurship + Research + Cultural Tourism,” providing global animation talents with a broad stage for artistic creation and an open platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.
As generative AI and large language models increasingly penetrate all stages of animation production, traditional workflows are undergoing profound transformation. Meanwhile, the industry is reflecting on issues related to artistic originality, the role of creators, and professional ethics. Li Zhongqiu, Vice President and Council Member of the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA), noted in an interview that Chinese animation has made remarkable international progress in recent years—not only through the emergence of numerous blockbuster works, but also through cross-industry applications of foundational animation technologies. He pointed out that whether in AI development, virtual scene construction, or humanoid robot research, the underlying understanding of movement and natural form is rooted in the core logic of animation studies.
During the exchange week, the 8th “Snow Wolf Cup” Animation Competition and a showcase of outstanding works will be held, along with two academic symposiums and three thematic forums. The Snow Wolf Cup invites ASIFA chapter presidents, renowned scholars, and producers as jury members, aiming to discover rising animation talents. The academic sessions focus on industry transformation driven by AIGC, exploring the deep impact of generative AI and large language models on animation workflows, creative thinking, and educational systems.
In the forum on “AI-Driven Transformation of the Animation Industry Ecosystem,” Eliane Godivo, researcher at the Portuguese Center for Research in Arts and Studies, stated that since the 21st century, the logic, workflow, and cultural perception of animation production have undergone fundamental changes. AI does not aim to replace humans; instead, it serves as a collaborative participant, co-creating a dynamic, diverse, and cross-temporal ecosystem with human creators.
A parallel forum on “Competition-Driven Innovation in Animation Practice” further expanded dialogue on the integration of animation creation and industry development. The exchange week will run until November 22.
