News / 13 Oct 2023
Animation student’s short film places in Best Shorts Competition 2023
BA (Hons) Animation
BA (Hons) Animation student James Kaye’s short animated film, Akkorokamui, has won an Award of Merit in the Best Shorts Competition 2023.
The Best Shorts Competition is an international film competition that attracts well established filmmakers as well as talented newcomers. Established in 2011, Best Shorts is an avant-garde worldwide competition that strives to give talented directors, producers, actors, creative teams and new media creators.
James's animated short film Akkorokamui was placed in the Animation (Student), Children / Family Programming (Student) categories.
James’s film is about long-distance friendships overseas. Two children, one from the land and one from the sea, finding friendship where they never thought possible, out on the empty ocean. Embracing their differences as both human and mythological creature.
“I was happy to achieve higher than the passing category - and to be recognised in 'Children's / Family Programming' was an amazing feeling, as a children's storyteller. In Level 4 animation, I genuinely wasn't an animator. I wouldn't say I was particularly great at anything. But I think going into Level 6, my class and team supported me and pushed me to work hard. My teachers helped encourage my creativity. Originally, I wasn't even going to direct a film until my tutors Michael and Adam talked me into it. And I'm very happy that I made it - for myself and the friends that it was dedicated to. I think I really found a passion in Children's Media, and creative storytelling with a purpose. I think the event is a good entry for any of the students at LAU, as you can be recognised for whatever it is that you've created - and I think everyone deserves some recognition.”
James Kaye, BA (Hons) Animation student