Submission
Message from President
Professor Paul LAM Kwan-sing
President
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Welcome to the inaugural World University Animation Awards (WUAA), hosted by Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU). It’s an absolute honour to have you join us for this special event, as we celebrate creativity, innovation and the limitless potential of animation as a medium for storytelling, cultural exchange and technological exploration.
At HKMU, we have always believed in the transformative impact of creative arts education. The WUAA represent the realisation of our vision to extend this passion beyond our campus and onto the global stage. With submissions from nearly 600 universities across 96 countries and regions, the event stands as a testament to the universal appeal of animation and the extraordinary talent of young animators worldwide.
The WUAA is a platform where bold ideas bloom, cultures connect, and animation reimagines what is possible. Through forums, screenings and collaborative discussions, we aim to spark meaningful connections among students, educators and industry leaders—igniting inspiration and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
To all the participants, your dedication and creativity are truly inspiring. Your work demonstrates animation’s power to address cultural, environmental and technological themes, and I am confident that your artistry will continue to resonate with audiences across the globe.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished adjudicators and the HKMU team for their unwavering support in bringing this global event to life. Together, we’re celebrating youth, imagination and the vibrant future of visual expression.
Let’s embrace excellence, spark innovation and build lasting connections as we embark on this exciting journey together.
Together we animate the world, one frame at a time! 移光動影，格秒世界！
Foreword
Prof Eva Kit Wah Man
Organizer of the WUAA,
Chair Professor of Humanities, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
The First World University Animation Award (WUAA) presented by Hong Kong Metropolitan University
It is with great pride and heartfelt anticipation that we welcome you to the inaugural World University Animation Award, a global celebration of creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange at the Hong Kong Metropolitan University. This prestigious event has received an astounding 1,800 submissions from over 600 universities across 96 countries and regions, reflecting the extraordinary vitality of student animation worldwide.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our panel of ten world-renowned adjudicators, whose artistic vision and discerning expertise elevate the integrity of this award. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of animators has been both inspiring and humbling.
Equally exciting is the arrival of approximately 90 international students, who will have the opportunity to engage with local participants, share ideas for collaborative animation production, and forge lasting connections. This convergence of talent promises an enriching blend of perspectives and techniques, paving the way for mutual growth and understanding.
We are thrilled to host two forward-thinking forums: “The Future of Animation Education” and “Animation Industries and Paradigm Shifts.” These sessions aim to spark essential dialogue, explore emerging trends, and imagine the possibilities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving world of animation.
Through these initiatives, we hope to foster meaningful international exchange, champion global collaboration, and empower a community where creativity knows no borders. This is more than an award—it is a movement towards a more connected, inspired, and inclusive future of animation.
Let the stories begin and thank you for hearing!
Our Mission
Celebrate Excellence
Recognize and reward outstanding university-level animation works that demonstrate artistic vision, technical mastery, and originality.
Promote Innovation
Encourage interdisciplinary exploration by blending art, technology, and storytelling to expand animation's creative potential.
Foster Connection
Build a global network of young animators, academic leaders, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and inspire collaboration.
Elevate Hong Kong
Position Hong Kong as a global hub for animation arts and education, contributing to international dialogues in creative arts and technology.
Inspire Impactful Works
Motivate animators to explore cultural, environmental, and technological themes, crafting works that leave a profound artistic and humanistic impact.
Celebrating the Future of Animation
The first World University Animation Awards (WUAA), presented by Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), will officially launch in September 2025.
HKMU is widely acclaimed for its creative arts education, which has nurtured creative talent, many of whom have become celebrated literary authors, film and animation makers, visual artists and designers. They cover important ethical issues in the Humanities in their writing, and visual art and moving image works.
WUAA is a continuation and celebration of HKMU's creative arts education, and extends its beliefs and ideas to other universities around the world. The awards focus on outstanding works in Animation art, including 3D animation with imaginary story-telling or documentaries, and forms of art x technologies composing future animation arts. While this is the first WUAA, the University is expecting a good volume of submissions from countries and regions around the world. The adjudicators are distinguished animation professionals, visual artists, animators, documenters, art tech experts and scholars. WUAA will invite animation submissions from University students that cross formal and conceptual boundaries.
Whether you're an aspiring animator, an academic leader, or a professional in the field, WUAA invites you to join us in shaping the future of this extraordinary art form.
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Artistic Vision
Animation is more than an art form—it is a transformative medium that connects cultures, explores new ideas, and inspires future generations. From its historical roots in early visual storytelling to its innovative future, animation reflects humanity's enduring desire to tell stories, create beauty, and explore the unknown.
In the WUAA motion logo, the antelope serves as a metaphor for animation's evolution and the pursuit of dynamic storytelling. Its graceful movement, inspired by early attempts to depict motion—such as Paleolithic cave paintings and the 5,200-year-old pottery bowl from Shahr-e Sukhteh—symbolizes creativity, innovation, and the relentless spirit of pushing artistic boundaries.
What We Recognise
01
Conceptually, technically, and artistically.
Push the Boundaries
02
Blend art and science to create new visual languages.
Fuse Disciplines
03
Use cutting-edge technology and experimental methods to craft bold, visionary works.
Embrace Innovation
04
Address cultural, environmental, or technological themes with depth and creativity.
Inspire Change
What We Recognise
Together, we animate the world, one frame at a time.
Together, We Animate the World
Join us in celebrating the transformative power of animation as we connect talents from across the globe and empowers the next generation of creators to lead the industry forward.
