The WUAA (World University Animation Awards) is a continuation and celebration of Hong Kong Metropolitan University's (HKMU) creative arts education, extending its beliefs and ideas to universities worldwide. The awards focus on outstanding works in Animation art, including 3D animation with imaginary story-telling or documentaries, and forms of art x technologies composing future animation arts.

The aim of WUAA 2025 is to curate and showcase animated short films produced as student projects or graduation projects by students at film and animation schools globally. We strive to inspire both audiences and creators, nurture emerging talent, and contribute to the growth and promotion of animation culture and industry.

Shortlisted animations will be screened during WUAA 2025, and winners will be announced and awarded at the Award Presentation Ceremony.

Event Period: 15-16 September 2025
Venue: Hong Kong

Awards & Prizes

Grand Prize -　Cash (USD 10, 000) and Trophy
Best Artistic Award - Cash (USD 10, 000) and Trophy
Best Narrative Award　- Cash (USD 10, 000) and Trophy
Jury’s Award　- Cash (USD 5, 000) and Trophy
Next Generation Award - Cash (USD 5, 000) and Trophy

Rules & Terms

- Eligibility: Open to college/university current students and graduates from the 2024-25 academic year; graduates from the 2023-2024 academic year.
- Production Date: The work must have been produced on or after September 1, 2023.
- Verification: A Student Card or Student Verification will be required.
- Submission Format: The award accepts only online digital submissions.
- Entry Limit: Each director is allowed to submit one entry.
- Duration: Work must not exceed 15 minutes in length.
- Language Requirements: All submitted animations must include embedded subtitles in English.
- Animation Technique: Only animated short films will be accepted (the films must have been made using animation, regardless of the technique).
- Resolution/Dimensions: Submissions must be in 1080p, 2K, or 4K resolution.
- Codec: Acceptable codecs include H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, or ProRes 422 HQ.
- Frame Rate: The frame rate must be set at either 24 or 25 frames per second.

1 Review
Overall Rating
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  • Pedro Cabrera


    When I returned home, I didn’t know where to begin telling my family and friends how exciting, moving, and enriching it was to be part of the first HKMU World University Animation Awards in Hong Kong.

    The organization and hospitality felt warm—almost like an echo of the city’s 30-degree heat. Making new friends is one of the things I treasure most in life: connecting with professionals, participating in workshops, and sharing experiences that stay with me. And although I don’t speak Cantonese or Mandarin, the universal language of laughter never failed me.

    Even after several days, I still find images of the food playing on a loop in my mind. Its variety and abundance could satisfy even the hungriest soul. And the staging of the closing ceremony—you can’t imagine it. The artists, the music, the colors… even my clothes seemed to vibrate.

    I have no doubt that WAUU will rise far beyond the 484 meters of the ICC building and become one of the most important events in the world for animation students. Thank you so much <3.
    Pedro Cabrera (Tapir Memories).

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Pedro! We're glad you have enjoyed WUAA and Hong Kong! Once again, Congratulations!