Auckland’s budding animation design students have until May 3, 2012 to submit their entries for the 9th Annual Hamburg Animation Awards, held in Hamburg, Germany - June 12, 2012.

Auckland design schools and students have featured strongly in these awards since 2008 according to Michael Brook, Manager Film Auckland . “We are blessed to have so much young and creative talent in our reach. New Zealand has a world-class reputation in this field and the Hamburg Animation Awards provide a substantial cash incentive,” he says.

In 2007, Auckland City formed a strategic alliance with Hamburg to support opportunities for growth in key sectors including creative industries. From the outset of the strategic alliance, a special focus has been placed on the screen production industry, and on promoting Auckland participation in the Hamburg Animation Award.

The digital graphics, animation and effects industry in New Zealand is worth $470 million; according to Statistics NZ March 2011 report. “We have a vibrant film industry in Auckland. Our film makers’ recent history at this event and our ongoing support of it bodes well for Auckland’s emerging young animators. The continued achievement of Auckland entries in the Hamburg competition demonstrates our competitiveness on a world stage,” says Auckland Mayor Len Brown.

The awards are an initiative of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the Hamburg Animation School, in cooperation with annually changing partners. As part of the strategic alliance between Auckland and Hamburg, New Zealand was selected for a special country award in 2008. Prize money for the awards is €9,000 ($14,000NZD). Winners will be announced Tuesday, 12 June 2012 at 19.30hrs (GMT).