500-Artist Chinese Epic; USC’s XA Shutdown Survivor; Rotoscoping Sex

Locanro starts tomorrow and will host the world premiere of Sun Xun’s Magic Atlas. Xun spent a decade working with 500 artists to create the epic feature, which combines traditional Chinese techniques with an uncompromising commitment to handmade imagery. We spoke with the celebrated multi-disciplinary artist about the film’s enormous scale, shifting visual styles, and the cracks that inevitably appear when history is recorded.

Also from the festival circuit, Fantasia standout Cherry and Virgin director Masanao Kawajiri explained how rotoscoping, manga-inspired artwork, and clashing character designs helped him explore sex, desire, and intimacy. And Ottawa programmer Chris Robinson, with input from several industry colleagues, explored tough questions about whether festivals should boycott films based on their countries of origin, particularly during the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Elsewhere, the Annie Awards opened submissions and introduced a new international anime category, Australian studio Flying Bark teamed with Olan Rogers’ Lightfold on an original animation project, and Amazon began developing a Warhammer 40,000 series centered on the Deathwatch. And Chinese animator Zehao “Tara” Hou told us how USC’s abrupt decision to close its Expanded Animation program pushed her to turn two years of animation experiments into the vibrant experimental short The 70 Deadly Sins.

Check out these stories and more at cartoonbrew.com.

1. 
   Peering Through the Cracks: How Sun Xun Spent A Decade Creating The Chinese Epic ‘Magic Atlas’ With 500 Artists

   Sun Xun discusses the decade-long production of 'Magic Atlas,' its handmade animation, shifting visual styles, political themes, and spiritual ideas.
2. 
   ‘Cherry And Virgin’ Director Masanao Kawajiri On Rotoscoping Sex And The Emotions That Come With It

   Masanao Kawajiri discusses using rotoscoping and shifting art styles to explore sex, desire, and intimacy in his animated feature ‘Cherry And Virgin.’
3. 
   ‘The 70 Deadly Sins’ Turned The Shock Of USC’s XA Shutdown Into An Experimental Short (EXCLUSIVE)

   Chinese animator Tara Hou discusses making 'The 70 Deadly Sins' and how USC’s Expanded Animation program shutdown disrupted her MFA education.
4. 
   Opinion: When Is A Film Responsible For Its Country?

   OIAF programmer Chris Robinson and his colleagues consider boycotts, Russian and Israeli films, and if artists should be judged by their countries’ actions.
5. 
   54th Annie Awards Open Submissions, Add Anime Category

   Submissions are open for the 54th Annie Awards, which will introduce a new category honoring international anime productions for television and media.

6. 
   Flying Bark And Olan Rogers’ Lightfold Team Up For Original Animation Project

   Flying Bark and Lightfold are co-developing an ambitious original property they say will span animation, comics, and games.
7. 
   Warhammer 40,000 Animated Series In Development At Amazon

   Amazon MGM Studios is developing a new Warhammer 40,000 animated series centered on the Deathwatch, written by Masters of the Air’s John Orloff.