An animation expert talks about the workshop.

Japan Foundation Vientiane organises animation workshop

The Japan Foundation Vientiane has organised an animation workshop with the aim of further development of the field through cooperation between Laos and Japan.
The Foundation invited Mr Hidetaka Nakamura, the Director of Cambodia-based Social Compass company, as a lecturer for the workshop being held at the National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA) of Laos during October 3-4. This is the fifth such workshop organised by the Foundation.
Last year, the workshop was held online, while it was cancelled in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The students and Mr Nakamura were looking forward to seeing each other in-person at this year’s event.
Dr Khamsouk Keovongxay, the Director of NIFA, said there were only five students in the visual design faculty in the past, and they lacked equipment such as personal computers. Now, the faculty has become one of the most popular ones, with 50 talented students.
“Almost every student has their own personal computer. I hope this workshop organised by the Japan Foundation helps them have a brilliant future,” he said.
Mr Nakamura said, “I am very glad to come back to share my knowledge with the enthusiastic students again. The students’ ability to create animation has improved remarkably every year. I would like to express my deep respect for the efforts of Dr Khamsouk Keovongxay, the Director of NIFA, the teachers, especially Mr Souliya Phoumivong, an outstanding animation artist, and the students.”
He added, “This time I would like to teach the students how to make and deal with characters more in detail, in order for them to be prepared for the business field in future.”
The next animation workshop by Mr Nakamura will be held at the National University of Laos from October 5-6 .

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update October 5, 2022)