Delegates who attended Asian Animation Summit 2020 have voted Giggle Garage’s Sleepytown project as Best in Show at the virtual event that took place at the end of November.

This 13 x 22-minute CG-animated series concept follows a group of kids who live in a town where all of the parents mysteriously fall into a slumber. The mystery-adventure for kids ages seven to 10 weaves a theme of personal growth throughout a serialized storyline.

Pitched by Juhaidah Joemin and Zeno Gabing, Giggle Garage’s presentation of Sleepytown at AAS was narrated by the animated characters themselves.

A panel of international buyers who were on hand to provide live feedback during the session found the concept’s design strikingly beautiful, and enjoyed the cast narration approach of the presentation, though the serialized nature wasn’t a perfect fit for all of their platforms.

Giggle Garage is a 10-year-old studio located in Malaysia and has pitched at Asian Animation Summit four times previously, but Sleepytown marks its first Best in Show win. This year’s runners-up were Cheeky Little Media’s Pretzel & Pickle and Like a Photon Creative’s Jarli, which tied for second place in the vote.

Previous Best in Show winners have included Cheeky Little Media’s Vegesaurus and Ludo Studio’s Bluey.

Originally scheduled to take place live in Bali, Indonesia, AAS 2020 transitioned to a virtual event as a result of COVID-19. It ran online from November 16 to December 4, and showcased 15 brand-new animated projects from Australia, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia seeking partners and financing.

These projects will be showcased a second time at a Screening Party taking place during Kidscreen Summit Virtual (Feb 8 to Mar 5). All Business Pass holders will be invited to attend, and many of the AAS 2020 producers are planning to be at the virtual event taking meetings.