Southeast Asian animation continues to thrive as “Horologist” becomes the first Malaysian animated film to win the Best Animation award at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2023 Film Festival.
Jared Lee is a cancer survivor who also spearheads Grim Film, a company that started as a YouTube channel. While experiencing burnout in creating content for YouTube, he sought a passion project to do.
“Horologist” became Lee’s passion project and was created during the Covid-19 lockdown. It started as manga sold in 2022. This 2023, it was adapted into a six-minute short film showcased at SDCC Film Festival, a first for Malaysia.
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The festival line-up also includes entries from countries like Canada, China, Egypt, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States.
“I have no words other than a big thank you to everyone who said yes to this project, and everyone who’s supported the manga,” Jared Lee expressed in his Instagram post announcing the achievement.
The short film racked nominations and awards from USA Film Festival, won Best Animation, and Poland’s Film Festival, nominated for Best Animation and Audience Choice Award.
Kudos to Jared Lee and his team for earning this achievement!
We’re excited to watch “Horologist” too when it hits local theatres.
Photo from Jared Lee Instagram