These are the winners of the Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival 2016

We present the list of winners of the Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival.

The Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival (TICFF) was founded in 2004 by PTS (Public Television Service of Taiwan) in order to offer children in Taiwan a chance to see the latest works from around the world, exposing them to diverse cultures and broadening their international outlook. This biennial film festival run from March 31th until April 7th.

Best Dramatic Feature

Birds of Passage by Olivier Ringer - Belgium | 2015 - 84 min.

With sensitivity and a deep emotional sensibility, the film empowers children to independence, freedom and empathy in an original cinematic feature, in which we see their lives transformed with the help of a beautiful duckling.

Best Dramatic Short

Marina’s Ocean by Cássio Pereira dos Santos - Brazil | 2014 - 16 min.

Despite her Down syndrome, Marina longs for love and self-determination of her body. Although repeatedly discouraged and warned against by her family, she set off anyway and secretly followed her sister and her sister’s boyfriend to the beach. This film highlights the right to the freedom and self-determination of disabled teenagers. Only 16 mins long, but the film radiates with empathy, support and the power of humanity.

Best Animation

Boy and the World by Ale Abreu - Brazil | 2013 - 79 min.

It is the classic genre of “searching for the father”, exploring the modern-day issues of immigrant workers, wealth inequality and capitalist exploitation. In contrast with the serious issues explored, the art and sound design and the animation language used is rustic yet mature, appealing to the audience like a kaleidoscope. Both unique and innovative, this animation feature has reached a level of artistic achievement that is the most impressive in recent years.

Best TV Program

Mimicries: The Secret of Black and Yellow by Yasuaki Okamoto - Japan | 2014 - 15 min.

The features of curiosity and learning of preschoolers are well-grasped by the program. With aesthetics, creativity and ways in which children can easily understand and learn, the “hearts” and “eyes” of children are opened, and they see that they are surrounded by surprises and things to learn from. Many secrets lie in the nature and our society, their small hearts are inspired to explore the big world!

Taiwan Award

First Launch - Taiwan | 2014 - 14 min.

The issue is common in everyday life, a little girl starting school. An imaginative and interesting story is created with her resistance and objection, and the way her father handled such circumstances. The art itself is also unique, opening up perhaps another chapter in the animation industry in Taiwan.

Special Jury Award

Secrets of War by Dennis Bots - Netherlands | 2014 - 95 min.

Set against the cruelty of war, the film explores the friendship, trust and self-development among children, and the choices they are faced with after they made mistakes. Confronted with the cold harsh reality, we see the children staying true to their innocent self and face the injustice in their lives.

Children’s Jury Award

Freestyle Football Boy by Tatung Junior High School - Taiwan | 2016 - 10 min.

The story is well told with emotions flowing, and the character is vividly portrayed. An inspiring story encouraging the spirit to try and follow one’s dream.

Audience Award

Secrets of War by Dennis Bots - Netherlands | 2014 - 95 min.