March theme: Asian Animation

Deadline: March 16th, 2018

 

Though Asian animation has received an increasing amount of scholarly attention over recent years, it is still much less than that given to Western animation, and most of the work predominantly examines Japanese productions. In order to encourage the growth of the discussion around Asian animation more broadly, and especially around the still understudied animated works of South and Southeast Asia, our March theme invites posts that can help trace the developments undergone by this medium in terms of modes of production, the aesthetics, the themes, and the peculiar traits of the works created by the leading Asian studios and independent animators. We also look forward to contributions exploring the reception of Asian animated works both within Asian and non-Asian nations, and the ways in which this vast body of animation has influenced the West and vice versa via transnational exchange.

In particular, while posts tackling Japan’s animation are welcome, we encourage contributions looking from any perspective at the animated production of other territories from the Asian continent such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, India, or China.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • National animations in Asia (e.g. Indian animation, South Korean animation, Chinese animation, Japanese animation, etc.);
  • Past and present leading Asian animation studios (e.g. Shanghai Animation Studio, Toei, Studio Ghibli, Toon City, Mirayi Animation Studio, etc.);
  • The Asian independent production;
  • The animated documentary in Asia;
  • Asian animation and its aesthetics;
  • Recursive themes in the Asian animated production;
  • Asian animation and its history;
  • Theorizing animation in Asia;
  • The reception of Asian animation;
  • Western studios and their relationship with Asia;
  • The influences of Western animation on the Asian one.

Posts of between 600 and 900 words, which discuss any aspect of the above topic are welcome. Contributors are encouraged to include clips and at least one image to support their posts. Please also include a short bio and 3 keywords. All permissions are the responsibility of the contributor. Please contact the editors Nichola Dobson (nichola_dobson@yahoo.co.uk) and Cristina Formenti (cristina.formenti@unimi.it) with submissions or questions.