What is driving the growth of Asian animation?

Asian animation is growing due to breakout hits like 'Jumbo,' expanding teen-focused storytelling in Malaysia, and South Korea's increasing global ambitions.

How is Malaysian animation evolving?

Malaysian animation is now targeting audiences 13+ and exploring more mature themes, moving beyond content solely for younger children.

What does the Asian animation industry need to grow?

The industry requires greater scale, significant investment, and improved distribution pipelines to meet the surging demand for quality animation.

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Asian Animation Booms: Beyond Kids, Embracing Global Stages

2 Dec

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Summary

Asian animation is shifting gears with hits like 'Jumbo' and expanding teen narratives.
Malaysia's animation now targets audiences 13+, exploring mature themes.
Industry leaders stress the need for scale, investment, and better distribution.

Asian Animation Booms: Beyond Kids, Embracing Global Stages

The animation industry across Asia is experiencing a significant upswing, marked by a shift towards more mature storytelling and a growing global presence. Breakout hits from Indonesia, such as Visinema's 'Jumbo,' and Malaysia's expanding range of teen-centric narratives signal a new era for regional animation. These developments highlight a conscious effort to create content that resonates with older audiences and tackles a broader spectrum of themes.

Malaysia, in particular, has seen its animation evolve to cater to viewers aged 13 and above, moving beyond traditional children's programming. With animated series like 'Kisah Bawah Tanah' aiming to explore themes of adulthood, the industry is actively seeking to engage a wider demographic. Similarly, Indonesia's 'Jumbo' has achieved international success, screening in over 40 countries and demonstrating the potential for locally produced animation to achieve global reach and box office success.