SIGGRAPH 2008 Announces New Format for Computer Animation Festival

For Immediate Release
8 January 2008

For further information:
Brian Ban
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To fully represent the growing computer graphics and interactive industries, SIGGRAPH's Computer Animation Festival is expanding into a full-scale film festival that will incorporate curated and competition screenings, discussion panels with filmmakers/artists/producers, and an expansive awards program. In addition, the Computer Animation Festival will be more accessible to the general public than ever before.

"These enhancements are a direct reflection of the importance of computer graphics in many aspects of everyday life - from entertainment to science," stated Jill Smolin, SIGGRAPH Conference Entertainment Director. "Plus, from cell phones to laptops, the general public has never had as much access to really great animated content as they do today."

For the first time, festival organizers are seeking curated content from around the globe in an effort to present works that are not typically represented at film festivals. Contributors to the 2008 Computer Animation Festival submit juried content through a similar process as previous years; however they are also able to submit into expanded category options. Online entries are due by 30 January with materials due by 27 February. Full submission details

"The Computer Animation Festival has a long history of presenting an incredible variety of computer graphics and animation that represent the diverse SIGGRAPH community," continued Smolin. "In 2008 we are creating a celebration experience which will serve all facets of the computer graphics industry and introduce areas of animation unfamiliar too much of the movie-going public such as space exploration/simulation, the environment, medicine, and science."

SIGGRAPH's traditional awards structure of Best in Show is still a highlight. In addition, an expanded awards program will include an interactive audience voting mechanism as well as significant award announcements throughout the conference week. Also, screening times will be expanded to showcase full-length animated features in a single theater space.

Complete information on this year's Computer Animation Festival, including submission information

The 35th annual SIGGRAPH conference and exhibition is sponsored by ACM SIGGRAPH, the leading professional society for computer graphics and interactive techniques.

About SIGGRAPH
SIGGRAPH 2008 will bring an estimated 30,000 computer graphics and interactive technology professionals from six continents to Los Angeles, California, USA for the industry's most respected technical and creative programs focusing on research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and the web from Monday, 11 August through Friday, 15 August 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. SIGGRAPH 2008 includes a three-day exhibition of products and services from the computer graphics and interactive marketplace from 13-15 August 2008. More than 250 international exhibiting companies are expected. Registration for the conference and exhibition is open to the public. More details

About ACM
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) sponsors SIGGRAPH 2008. ACM is an educational and scientific society uniting the world's computing educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking.