Niigata International Animation Film Festival continues despite challenges
新潟國際動畫電影節克服挑戰持續舉辦
Niigata International Animation Film Festival (NIAFF)[/ˈniæf/|o] has shown remarkable resilience, continuing to thrive despite significant challenges.
新潟國際動畫影展 (NIAFF)[/ˈniæf/|o] 展現了驚人的韌性,儘管面臨重大挑戰,仍持續蓬勃發展。
Established in March 2023 in Niigata City, NIAFF quickly distinguished itself as Asia's largest festival solely dedicated to feature-length animated films.
該影展於 2023 年 3 月在新潟市成立,NIAFF 迅速脫穎而出,成為亞洲規模最大的專注於長篇動畫影片的影展。
Its location in Niigata was chosen due to the city's rich connection to Japan's anime and manga industry, aiming to make it a new animation hub.
選址新潟是因為該市與日本動漫和漫畫產業的深厚淵源,旨在將其打造成新的動畫中心。
However, after its third edition in March 2025, NIAFF faced major setbacks.
然而,在 2025 年 3 月舉辦完第三屆之後,NIAFF 卻面臨重大挫折。
Key organizers departed to start a new festival, and founder Kenzo Horikoshi passed away in June 2025.
主要組織者離開另起爐灶,創辦人堀越健三於 2025 年 6 月辭世。
Despite these hurdles, NIAFF is committed to its mission.
儘管面臨這些困難,NIAFF 仍堅定不移地致力於其使命。
For its fourth edition in February 2026, the festival has announced a renewed direction, focusing on discovering and supporting emerging talent.
為了於 2026 年 2 月舉辦的第四屆影展,主辦方宣布了新的方向,專注於發掘和支持新興人才。
New initiatives include a ¥500,000 JPY distribution fund for the Grand Prix winner, a "Fully Invited System"[/ˈsɪstəm/] for directors, and an expanded Niigata Animation Camp for young Asian creators.
新的舉措包括為大獎獲獎者提供 ¥500,000 JPY 的發行資金、為導演設立「全邀制」(Fully Invited System)[/ˈsɪstəm/],以及為亞洲年輕創作人擴大新潟動畫營。
These proactive steps ensure NIAFF remains a vital international platform.
這些積極的步驟確保 NIAFF 仍然是一個重要的國際平台。
