The first Shenzhen Independent Animation Biennial starts on Dec 22 and will display nearly 100 animated films by 56 artists from around the world. It will also examine independent animation's potential as a novel art form. The event will present forums to promote the genre, which focuses on artists' self-explorations rather than commercial value. It will also host a special segment on Chinese ink-and-water animations. The category once produced several high-quality films that won international acclaim. Organizers hope to invite people to think about how Chinese animators can regain past glories. The fair will continue until March 2013 at Shenzhen's cultural venue Oct-Loft.