Catalogue Launch & Talk Event

Presented by Exhibition co-curator Deborah Szapiro

July 2, 2022

To celebrate the launch of the continuum: Independent animation from Japan and Australia catalogue, curator, academic and animation filmmaker, Deborah Szapiro will discuss the role of independent animation in amplifying original Japanese and Australian voices and cultural expression. In particular, she will look at how its quietly subversive emphasis on culture and lived experience often contests previous narratives about our relationship to nature, history and each other. Szapiro will give an overview of contemporary independent animation and highlight the vibrant role that First Nations communities are playing in presenting alternative practices, processes and purpose for independent animation.

Please note that the in-person talk event will also be available via Facebook livestream on the JPF Sydney Facebook page.

The digital exhibition catalogue is now available for viewing.
To view, please click here

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

DEBORAH SZAPIRO
Deborah Szapiro is a Sydney based creative director, curator and academic specialising in animation for broadcast, exhibition and public projection art. Her work has been screened extensively by broadcasters and film festivals worldwide. Awards include two AFI awards, Dendy, ATOM and IF awards, Gordon Bruce Award for Humour, PATHE Award, Shell Canada Award and BANFF Television Award. Deborah founded the Japanime Film Festival, was co-director of the Sydney International Animation Festival and curates animation programs locally and internationally, specialising in Indigenous animation, nationalities of animated cinema and the work of women animation directors. Deborah is passionate about independent animation and mentoring new generations of animators. She lectures in the Bachelor of Animation at UTS with her research looking to explore animation’s potential as an agent for cultural resilience, social change and innovation. She is currently collaborating with the Honda Research Institute – Japan applying storytelling and animation principles to the design of creative content for socially responsible robots.