A Night of Animation and Cultural Brilliance in Flushing Town Hall

New York is no stranger to creative energy—it practically oozes out of every subway grate and corner bodega. But there’s something electric about a night where animation takes center stage, especially when it’s coming from some of the brightest Asian and Asian American talents. Mark your calendars for Friday, December 6, because Flushing Town Hall’s Crazy Talented Asians & Friends (CTAF) 5th Animation Festival is about to blow your socks off—and maybe your mind, too. Visit their website for more details.

Watch this to learn more about the CTAF:

Why Animation?

Animation isn’t just “cartoons for kids.” It’s a portal to explore ideas and emotions that words sometimes can’t capture. Think of it as the visual equivalent of a great bagel: simple on the outside, but capable of holding multitudes (cream cheese, lox, capers…the works). When animation is done well, it’s not just art—it’s a visceral experience.

The festival will showcase over a dozen award-winning short films and motion graphics by Asian and Asian American artists. Out of more than a thousand submissions, only the crème de la crème made the cut—less than 3%, to be exact. It’s like getting into an Ivy League of animation, minus the crushing student loans.

The Lineup: A Feast for the Eyes

Let’s talk about the films, because this lineup is a knockout. For student short films, Express Photo by Dashan Zhou took top honors. As someone who’s spent too many frantic moments at photo booths before visa deadlines, I can’t wait to see how Zhou spins this relatable chaos into art.

But that’s just the appetizer. You’ve got CHAIN (Best 3D Animation), Kids in Winter (Best Stop Motion), and Sprout (Best 2D Animation), each offering something distinct. Animation, much like New York pizza, comes in many forms—and these films prove there’s no wrong way to serve up brilliance.

And for the non-student entries, the festival highlights IN-BETWEEN by Long Qin (Best Professional Short), which promises a level of polish and storytelling depth that will make even the most cynical film buffs lean forward in their seats.

Motion graphics fans, rejoice—there’s an entire category for you, with winners like Under Suits by Waner Zhang proving that design can be as powerful as narrative.

The Hybrid Vibe

Now, if you’re like me—forever debating between leaving your apartment or just live-streaming something in your pajamas—you’ll love this: the festival is hybrid. Watch it in person for the full cinematic experience (Flushing Town Hall’s ambiance is a vibe) or stream it live on YouTube. Either way, you’re in for a visual treat.

But if you can swing it, show up IRL. Why? Because after the screenings, there’s a post-show mixer where you can rub elbows with filmmakers, designers, and maybe even a fellow animation geek who’s just as obsessed with Spirited Away as you are.

What Makes This Festival Special

This isn’t just about celebrating animation—it’s about elevating voices. The Asian and Asian American community is as diverse as it is underrepresented in mainstream media. And each of these films carries its own slice of the APA experience, from resilience and cultural pride to stories that are simply, well, human.

Ellen Kodadek, Flushing Town Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director, summed it up best (though I promise not to turn this into a press release). She talked about fostering arts equity, which hit me like a bag of bricks. As someone who grew up in a city that’s both a melting pot and a hotbed for creative expression, I can tell you this: seeing your story—or a story you connect with—on the big screen is nothing short of life-affirming.

A Debate Worth Having

Now, here’s the thing about animation festivals: some might argue they’re a niche event. Are they really worth your Friday night? Let me counter that with this analogy: skipping this would be like ignoring a jazz performance because it’s not your usual Spotify playlist. Sure, it’s different, but isn’t that the point?

On the flip side, if you’re not already a fan of animation, sitting through experimental shorts could feel like reading poetry in a language you don’t speak. But here’s my rebuttal—animation speaks in a universal tongue. You don’t need to understand every frame to feel something.

What I’ve Learned

As someone who once walked into an animation showcase expecting just an evening of “cool visuals” and left contemplating life, I can tell you this: these films stick with you. They challenge you to see the world from fresh angles, much like walking through Chinatown during Lunar New Year or catching a sunrise over the Brooklyn Bridge.

This festival isn’t just an event—it’s an invitation to think, to feel, and to connect. And isn’t that what art is supposed to do?

See You There

Tickets range from $14 to $27, which, let’s be honest, is less than a night out in Manhattan. If you’re in the city, go. If you’re elsewhere, stream it. Either way, don’t miss the chance to celebrate these insanely talented artists.

Because at the end of the day, animation isn’t just about moving pictures. It’s about moving hearts—and isn’t that something we all could use?