Taiwan is positioning itself as a major player in the global animation market, unveiling two anthology projects at this year’s Busan Asian Contents & Film Market that showcase the island’s growing creative clout and international aspirations.
The twin productions — “Bliss: Beyond the Edge of Time” and “Isle Navigator: Seven Animist Tales” — represent Taiwan’s most significant push yet to establish original animation as a cornerstone of its cultural exports. Both projects are currently in post-production under the Ministry of Culture’s T-Content Plan, which provides comprehensive support covering up to 70% of production costs.
The government backing represents more than just financial investment. Since 2023, the Ministry of Culture has significantly expanded its animation funding as part of a long-term strategy to cultivate local talent, upgrade technology and position Taiwan as an essential voice in global storytelling.
“Bliss: Beyond the Edge of Time,” a six-part sci-fi anthology, brings together six of Taiwan’s leading studios: Tellretell, Studio2 Animation Lab, Hytree Studio, One Punch Animation, Movect Studios and Tracking Troops. Drawing inspiration from I-Ching cosmology, the series explores universal themes of memory, identity, love and freedom through diverse visual styles and narrative approaches.
“Science fiction is not just about the future — it’s a mirror for who we are today,” said Patrick Mao Huang, executive producer at Flash Forward Entertainment. “By weaving Taiwanese culture with universal questions of technology and humanity, Bliss speaks to global audiences while staying rooted in our identity.”
Kevin Geiger, fellow executive producer, added: “‘Bliss’ uses ancient philosophy to frame modern challenges through speculative storytelling. Each director’s vision is deeply personal, yet also universally relevant.”
The companion project, “Isle Navigator: Seven Animist Tales,” charts what producers describe as a “mythical map of the island” through seven shorts rooted in folklore and mythology. The anthology employs a mix of 2D, 3D, stop-motion and motion capture techniques to explore themes of memory, loss, fate and rebirth, featuring both festival-acclaimed directors and emerging voices.
Taiwan sees the projects as evidence that its animation sector is ready to move from the industry’s periphery to its center. The T-Content Plan support extends beyond funding to building a sustainable creative ecosystem where talent can develop, technology can advance and stories can transcend borders.
Both productions are scheduled to complete by year-end before launching on the international festival and distribution circuit.