Shanghai Animation Festival June 28, 2006

China 's best-known animated films were first presented to the public in the 1960' s. Such works as Little Tadpole Looking for Mommy and Uproar in Heaven ushered in the birth of the animation industry in China . These films won several international awards and put China on the world map of animation.

People love watching animation and reading cartoons. In China , there are over 367 million young animation fans, not to mention countless students and adults, who are interested in the exciting stories about cartoon heroes and heroines.

In order to satisfy the demand for animated films, China 's central government designated the cities of Shanghai and Beijing , along with all of Hunan province, as the first three experimental regions where cartoon channels would be launched.

Shanghai Media Group (SMG) launched its official Cartoon Channel on December 26, 2004. This is a national cartoon channel offering millions of avid Chinese animation fans a view to famous international cartoons and top national productions.

In June 2005 SMG, Toonmax and VNU exhibitions Asia combined formed a strong partnership and organized the first edition of the Shanghai animation festival. With over 100.000 visitors within 4 days, the event was a complete success.

SAF2006 will be bigger and better, with a exhibition space that has tripled since last year, numerous animation events, a cosplay show and a business forum SAF 2006 promises to be a must see event for all animation fans.

Official Website: http://www.shanghaiaf.com/