The experimental artist creates an ‘ode to the wild creative process of an animator’ for the upcoming animation festival, returning to Ottawa September 25-29
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) shared its 2024 poster, an ode to the wild creative process of an animator, designed by Chinese experimental animator Lei Lei. Each year’s poster, created by a different animator, is a unique piece reflecting the artist’s style and craft.
OIAF 2024 runs September 25-29. Visit the event website for additional information.
“When I was a kid, I loved playing video games,” said Lei Lei. “I remember the Nintendo games of the 1990s, specifically two very popular games: Donkey Kong and Snow Bros. On the poster for the 2024 Ottawa International Animation Festival, the owl standing at the top of the poster replaces Donkey Kong. A young girl (possibly a filmmaker) must travel across the city to catch the owl, having many amazing experiences along the way. The cinema theatre will be the end of her journey, so take a seat on a comfortable couch and wait for the show.”
Lei Lei explores the mediums of video art, painting, installation, and music. He received his master’s degree in animation from Tsinghua University in 2009. In 2010, his short film This is LOVE was screened at the OIAF and won the award for Best Narrative Short.
“Lei Lei has a longstanding connection with the OIAF — we were among the first festivals to recognize his utterly original body of work,” commented OIAF artistic director Chris Robinson. “Since then, Lei Lei has become a festival favorite, not just for his electric and upbeat films, but for his impromptu rap performances during the OIAF award ceremonies. Today, his films remain as unique and popular as ever with OIAF audiences.”
“This year, we brought Lei Lei on board as the poster and signal film creator,” added Robinson. “We are ecstatic with his artwork, which displays the engaging and playful style we’ve come to love from this astonishing Chinese artist.”
Lei Lei’s OIAF design joins the works of past artists Matthew Rankin (2023), Angela Stempel and Amanda Bonaiuto (2021), Koji Yamamura (2012), Gary Panter (2005), and Dave Cooper (2001), among others.
Source: OIAF
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
