IGN Southeast Asia previously covered the Malaysian animated film Horologist, initially a comic book-turned-short film by Grim Film CEO Jared Lee. The local filmmaker recently had the golden opportunity to debut Horologist at the recent San Diego Comic-Con 2023.
Horologist was not only screened in front a panel of judges and a live audience, but it also managed to bring home the Best Animation award. The Malaysian animated film beat out numerous international contestants participating in Comic-Con’s Independent Film Festival.
The Best Animation award is the latest feather in Grim Film’s cap. They have previously won awards including Best Drama at America’s Soul 4 Reel International Film Festival 2013 and two awards at the 2018 Vancouver WebFest in Canada.
Horologist has also received international acclaim after winning the 'Best Animation' at the USA International Film Festival 2023. It was also nominated for the 'Best Animation' and 'Audience Choice Award' at Poland's International Animation Festival 'Animator' 2023.
This year marks the 22nd year of Comic-Con’s Independent Film Festival, which featured 56 great films, from seven different pop culture genres like Action/Adventure, Animation, Horror, and Pop Culture-Oriented Documentary.
The event featured participating filmmakers from all over the world, including Canada, China, Egypt, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
This year's panel of judges includes award-winning film composer Nami Melumad, co-founder of the Black-owned concept art studio 9B Collective, Phillip Boutté Jr., and film director, producer, and writer Anthony C. Ferrante.
The plot of Horologist centres around an old man named Sand, who is obsessed with time and has found a way to sell time itself. While his rich customers stay young, they never question Sand’s discovery and the source of their youth.
Hopefully, we’ll see a wide release of Horologist soon, as for now, only a trailer is available for fans to get a glimpse of.
