Animation is about to grow out of the experimental stage of digital technology

The screening was enjoyable because we received a large number of entries with a variety of content reflecting the current situation in animation. The works varied from those of a commercial level to long features for theater showing. It was a plus to realize that animation is about to grow out of the experimental stage of digital technology. However, one negative effect could be that the works showed poor quality in story creation and composition, both indispensable for film making. Even for the production of animation, a theatrical sense is essential. I must stress that concept is essential. Seen in that light, this year's selections include factors that I could not affirm entirely; however, there was the issue of the contemporary aspect being more critical. Especially among the commercially based works, we occasionally came across a weakness in literary quality and theatrical composition. I hope that everyone will rise to a point where they feel that "we must aim for theatrical quality."