The Department of Animation at Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) was established in 2011. At the time of its founding, the department recognized the rapidly evolving forms of animation and aimed to move beyond traditional academic models. Instead, it sought to integrate international animation trends and connect education, industry, technology, and artistic practice, to cultivate outstanding animation talent in Taiwan.

In the same year as its establishment, the department founded the first Kuandu International Animation Festival (KDIAF).

The Department of Animation and the Kuandu International Animation Festival were initiated under the leadership of former University President Ju Tzong-Ching, with Professor Shih Ming-Hui overseeing the festival’s planning and development. In recent years, the festival has been directed by Professor Chao Shun-Wen.

During its early development, the initiative received invaluable support and guidance from many faculty members, including former Chair of the Department of Film and New Media Professor Lee Tao-Ming, former Director of the Graduate Institute of Applied Media Arts Professor Hsu Su-Chu, and former Dean of the College of Fine Arts Professor Chu Te-Yi. Significant assistance was also provided by former University President Yang Chih-Wen and current President Chen Kai-Huang. Above all, the continuous dedication of all faculty members and students across generations has been essential in shaping the parallel growth of both the department and the festival.

In its first year, the Department of Animation admitted its inaugural cohort of approximately 40 students in September, who soon after actively assisted faculty in organizing the festival in October. What initially seemed an almost impossible task—limited by funding and human resources—gradually became achievable through accumulated experience and learning.

By 2013, in its third edition, KDIAF transitioned into an international competitive film festival. From that point onward, it began to operate in alignment with major international animation festivals. The number of submissions grew from just over 300 short films in its early years to more than 2,000 entries annually from nearly 100 countries today. Award-winning and selected works from major international festivals now regularly participate in KDIAF, and the festival has gradually become an important platform in the global animation landscape.

Unlike independently operated festivals, KDIAF is organized annually by full-time faculty members of the department and executed collectively with all students. From planning to execution, each edition requires approximately ten months of preparation. To sustain a week-long international festival with limited academic resources is a remarkable undertaking, made possible through strong collaboration.

The festival has been supported by numerous partners over the years, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Bachelor Program in Cross-College Film and New Media at TNUA, the French Office in Taipei, Institut Français, the Austrian Office Taipei, Ars Electronica Festival, the Tsai Han-Yi Charity Foundation, Chyashan Technology, Dahu Music Production, Kaohsiung Film Archive, MoCA Taipei, Chiayi Wanguo Theater, the Chiayi County Government, Hualien Railway Cinema, and the Hualien County Government, among others.

Looking back on more than a decade of development, KDIAF has played a pivotal role in Taiwan’s animation history. Beyond cultivating outstanding animation talents, it has strengthened the connection between academia and industry through international lectures, master workshops, industry presentations, forums, and screenings of hundreds of selected films each year.

The festival not only accompanies the learning and growth of animation students, but also fulfills its mission of art education and social engagement. Reflecting on its achievements and journey, the department expresses its deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to this shared endeavor.

2025 KDIAF-Team Photo

2025 KDIAF-Highlights