The Next Generation of Animation Competes at Animaze

Montréal is often said to have the best animation schools in the country. Where is the next jewel of student  animated short film hiding? The Animaze International Animation Festival will present student films on April 17, offering an evening dedicated to the creative spirit of the next generation. Seven schools are taking part in the competition, each presenting three short films: Concordia University, NAD Centre, Collège Bois-de-Boulogne, Cégep de Matane, Cégep du Vieux-Montréal, Dawson College and UQÀM. Their works include every form of animation, from traditional drawing to stop-motion and 3D animation. For Laurie Gordon, director of the Animaze festival, this platform for students is an essential part of the program. As creators, people often work behind a computer without contact with others. This competition allows students to share ideas and achievements and to gain confidence for the development of their careers. Jean-Philippe Lafontaine, director and teacher of digital imaging at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, points out that with the spread of mobile devices, the possibilities for exploring tools and styles are extraordinary. There is a major difference between watching films and video games and producing them, he notes. The labour market has expanded enormously, and many commercial and educational websites now integrate animation and interactivity to convey their messages. The winners of the three best short films chosen by the jury will be announced at the closing event on April 19. The Animaze

student competition screenings take place on April 17, 2015, at 6 p.m. in Auditorium H110 at Concordia

University.