China's leading directors of animated films talk at the eighth China Independent Animation Film Forum held in Haimen on Dec 12. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

It was announced at the eighth China Independent Animated Film Forum (CIAFF) that starting this year, Haimen will serve as the permanent host of the event. This year's CIAFF began on Dec 12 in Haimen, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

The forum was founded in 2011 by Pi San, a pioneer of online cartoons and chief playwright and director of the animated series Miss Puff, a popular title often described as China's Sex and the City.

It is the first non-government and non-profit major animation forum in the Chinese mainland, and has been held in Beijing seven times.

Pi said that it is fate that Haimen has become the permanent host city of CIAFF.

He visited Linjiang New Distrct in Haimen on a business trip four months ago and found the local development trajectory similar to his vision for China's animated film industry.

"The district wants to use its own unique features to become more international," said Pi, “That's what I want for China's animated film industry."

An animation institute was established at this year's forum using Haimen's ancient name of "Dongbuzhou". The institute served as the main venue for an international animation exhibition with the same name.

This year's event ran for four days and consisted of five shows and eight forums. A number of animation talents from China, Japan, France, and Estonia took part.