“In our opinion, independent animators in Singapore are still not really being recognized by the local animation industry,” says animating duo Harry and Henry Zhuang. “This is because the animation market in Singapore is still considered young as compared to other countries.”

Animated films have been around for almost as long as film itself, but outside of the major studios there is not a great deal of recognition. This is how Zhuang Twins, as well as fellow animator Tan Wei Keong, feel about their industry.

“It might not really be about lack of press, more that there aren’t many platforms from which to showcase independent animated short films,” explains Tan in a Skype interview. “There are some showcases, such as Singapore Short Cuts, but not many.”

The Zhuang brothers agree that there is not much visibility for Singapore animation, and give an example of how it is manifested. “In other countries, it’s quite common to be hired as an ‘Animation Director’ because there is a demand for animation with unique expression. But in Singapore, it’s quite rare for a local animation company to hire an ‘Animation Director.’

“Most of the time, they only hire ‘Animators’ or ‘storyboard artists’. This is because the only demand for animation in Singapore is for animation projects that are catered towards America’s broadcast stations. As a result, the only way to get a role as an animation director and have a say in animation is to start your own company and take on projects.”

Tan explains that there have been attempts within Singapore to push independent animation before. Eric Khoo directed the animated film Tatsumi, based on a Japanese manga, but it failed to receive much attention.

There is a chance,however, that visibility might be increasing. Both the Zhuang twins and Tan have had their works selected to be shown internationally in film festivals in Europe.

First reported by Channel NewsAsia on 22 March, the Zhuang brothers will be presenting The Tiger Of 142B at Animafest Zagreb in Croatia from 6 June to 11 June. Tan’s The Great Escape will play at the Annecy International Film Festival in France from 13 June to 18 June.

It might seem a a good opportunity to represent Singapore overseas, but Tan does not see it this way. “I have a lot of fun going up to people at these events and talking to them. They often have no idea about Singapore and I enjoy telling them about it, but I don’t approach it in a patriotic way.”

The Zhuang brothers see the opportunity presented by having their film shown overseas as a first foray for Singaporean animators. “Having works represented in these international competitions can be helpful to Singapore because it will help encourage more Singaporean animators to step out of their comfort zone and start making their own animation films.”

Tan, who at the time of the interview was in Japan organising workshops to raise awareness for Singapore animation and start cooperative work with Japanese studios, says that there are more ways to raise awareness for independent Animation in Singapore. “As a creator, I need to create more work, so more can be seen.

“Other people need to get involved more in a producing role, organising events, showcasing work and so forth. There is a lack of this kind of individual in Singapore; it needs a different skillset and personality from what it takes to make the films.”

Both artists work mainly in the short film form, but that is not to say there is no possibility of a feature length film in the future. Tan admits that he has been in talks with the Media Development Authority (MDA) to make a feature length film with the Zhuangs. “It will most likely be a compendium of shorter stories though, like the film 7 Letters.

“Up until now, there hasn’t been a successful feature length film. In a couple of years though there will be one which is interesting enough for audiences without compromising the artistic direction of the creator.”