Animation and its importance

By Ali Ahmed wain

The realm of animation has taken over our media for a long time, but has now reached to a larger audience as time progresses.

 It can vary, from the form of children’s cartoon shows to adult animation series, also commonly known as anime, originated in Japan. However, today's topic discusses a portion of the animation industry, known as Ghibli Studios.

The studios strength lies in its depiction of Japanese folklores, traditions and mythology. The legacy of the studio carries on as they produce well-crafted hand drawn artistry depicting universal cultures meant for all ages.

The animated works created targets the audience in a way to create a scene of tranquility and hope, highlighting the hardships the protagonist may go through, further delivering a pragmatic, nostalgic and optimistic message to its viewers.

The work of Ghibli Studios motivates and inclines multiple artists worldwide; to create work that represents their artistry as well, which leads us to the film recently created by our local Pakistani artists known as ‘The Glassworker’.

Directed by Usman Riaz, he states that he wanted to create an ‘anti-war film', with themes that would’ve been difficult to tackle if it were based in Pakistan. He further stated that, ‘the past 10 years have only been persuaded by passion and dedication’, this is due to the lack of support from the animation industry in Pakistan which ceases to exist. The movie received a box office of Rs25 million in just a few days, highlighting the impact and demand of animation in modern day.

Relating back to the connection of animation with the real world and the huge impacts it has made to individuals' lives, animation portrays certain stories or lore more commonly taken place in local areas, such as Ghibli Studio movies showcasing Japan and the lives the people live there, it is obvious that this only further popularizes that certain area showcased, along with the traditions of the particular area shown making the audience idealise the aura and environment created, the creators have purposely created, highlighting the influence animation can have on its audience.

In summary, animation is popularized as it creates a sense of escapism for the viewers, while simultaneously highlighting critical issues in an individual or the society they’re living in, creating a feeling of relatability.

 Animation breaks down complex emotions and creates visual representations of it, breaking down the boundaries of society, underscores the profound impact it has on human emotions, touching the cores of people of all ages, hence making a strong impression worldwide.

The writer is a student at FCCU in Lahore.