Korean Animation Company Puts Avante Guarde Anime on the Map

Animation company Studio Flying could put Korea on the animation map with their own special brand of avant guard, stylised anime. The company made a name for itself on the international festival circuit with the oddly dung flavoured hit 'Aachi And Ssipak' (2006). However, where "Aachi And Ssipak" are more like super (anti) heroes saving a world in the future that derives its energy from human faeces, their next work 'Mad Monkey' was a more sinister, made-for-DVD adult tale. Mad takes us on a kung fu journey into the dark, seedy world of a brothel - the kind of place that animators only dear to tread. Next for the company is a rumoured feature length version of their short animation, 'Forest of Nemi' (2005). This tale about a little girl in a land of giant robots might be aimed towards a more slightly family orientated audience.

While Korea is famous for its animation industry that outsources to the world, it is yet to create its own hits, at least on par with the Japanese industry. Japan's has paved its own way with animations that are nothing like their Hollywood counterparts yet they have entered the commercial realm. Studio Flying however, continue to make films obviously not for the mainstream yet are creating a strong, unique and definitive style. It would be difficult for Korean animations to hit the mainstream heights of their established Japanese counterparts. They could however seek to make a name for themselves developing a Korean original style taking their lead from companies such as Studio Flying.