Organizers of the 5th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF), which runs from April 28 to May 3 in Hangzhou, are gearing up for an even larger show this year, building on the success of previous editions.

The CICAF is the only State-level and international cartoon and animation industrial festival, co-sponsored by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) and Zhejiang provincial government. It has been held in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang, a scenic city famed for its legendary West Lake, four times since 2005.

The total exhibition area covers about 60,000 square meters, with nearly 1,800 exhibition booths. A cartoon transaction zone with an area of 1,500 square meters is being added to the festival this year, as the transaction value of the CICAF has been on a steady rise over the past four years.

Figures for the 4th CICAF topped 5.05 billion yuan (US$739.9 million) last year, compared with 3 billion yuan generated in 2005.

Viewing the ongoing financial crisis more as an opportunity than a serious challenge, the city believes its development in the cartoon and animation industry will attract further investment, new projects and talented artists at a relatively low cost, Ye Ming, deputy party chief of Hangzhou, said at a press conference held for the 5th CICAF yesterday.

More than 320 institutions and enterprises from 38 countries and regions have registered for the event this year, vice mayor Chen Xiaoping said at the press conference.

Fuji TV from Japan is making an appearance this year for the first time in the history of the CICAF. The number of participants is expected to greatly surpass those of previous festivals, Chen added.

The popular festival attracted approximately 672,000 attendees last year, and this year's turnout is expected to reach nearly 700,000 visitors.

(chinadaily.com.cn April 28, 2009)