Topi on Youtube

Topi is now online!

Busan International Short Film Festival

Just received some pics of Topi's South Korean premiere!

Honorable Mention at ASIFA-East Animation Festival

Nice to be recognized by ASIFA, and one member said:
"Rich in texture and spirit, and plush with great models and thoughtful lighting, Topi serves as proof that CG can be engaging and compelling."

ASIFA-East President David Levy (whom I met at Hiroshima 2008) blogged:
"It's a very serious and moving film, lovingly staged and executed".

More from another attendee:

"The Festival began with a film, Topi, whose break from the traditional genre of animation comedy was a pleasure to watch... Being confined to only comedy or commercialism sometimes makes animation dull. Breaking from this tradition, the student filmmaker, Arjun Rihan, gave the audience a glimpse into a culture and world many of us in America do not understand, but all of us could relate to the humanitarian approach of the characters. The comedy of animation has been explored vastly over the past century, and this film deserved mention due to its exceptional difference."

:)

Notre Dame

Last weekend, I was invited to present Topi at the Center of Ethics & Culture at the University of Notre Dame, as part of a screening of films from last year's Angelus Film Festival.

It was a fantastic trip that included a well-attended screening and panel discussion. The highlight was hearing from someone that they had been using 'Topi' as part of a religion class.

There's a write-up on the Notre Dame event here.

Siggraph Computer Animation Festival 2010

This is the first time I've managed to get into the Siggraph Computer Animation Festival. Stoked that Topi holds up technically with the best.