June Lee has captured the Animation Division Bronze Prize at the Bahamut 2026 ACG Creation Contest with Boom!Grandpa, Boom!, a hand-drawn ink-wash animated short that transforms the heavy grief of losing a loved one into a lighthearted, whimsical journey through the underworld.
Essential Takeaways for Animation Fans
- The Award-Winning Short: Boom!Grandpa, Boom! secured the Animation Division Bronze Prize at the Bahamut 2026 ACG Creation Contest, directed by June Lee.
- A Personal Premise: The five-minute film follows a five-year-old girl who enters a spirit village to track down her gambling-addicted grandfather and uses fireworks to send him away.
- Production and Style: Crafted as a solo project over eight to nine months, the film combines traditional ink-wash aesthetics with Toon Boom software and features voice acting performed by Lee’s family members in Taiwanese.
A Granddaughter’s Quest Through the Spirit Village
The animated short introduces viewers to a young girl who wanders into a supernatural village populated by departed souls and cherished pets. Beneath a massive banyan tree, she discovers her grandfather deeply absorbed in gambling. The narrative pivots on an unconventional rescue mission: the only way to release him is to launch a vibrant fireworks display that sends him onward. Lee developed the concept from personal memories of her grandfather, who enjoyed drinking white rice wine and playing cards during his life.
When reflecting on the genesis of the story, Lee shared that she wanted to capture authentic memories rather than manufacture generic drama. My grandfather’s ghost wouldn’t suddenly stop gambling just because he died,
Lee explained regarding the character’s unwavering habits in the afterlife.
Balancing Ink-Wash Tradition with Modern Software
Visually, the film adopts a traditional ink-wash painting style reminiscent of classic children’s books, designed to keep production practical for a solo creator while maintaining a soft, approachable aesthetic. Lee utilized Toon Boom software to manage the animation pipeline, developing custom brushes and stylistic guidelines to preserve the organic look of ink bleeding on paper even as characters moved fluidly across the screen.
Li Tsou-Gou praised the film’s execution, noting that the project successfully blends traditional Chinese ink techniques with modern, fluid linework. This approach transforms the theme of life and death into dark comedy, wrapped in cuteness and genuine emotion,
Li stated in the competition feedback.
| Project Detail | Production Fact |
|---|---|
| Director | June Lee |
| Production Duration | 8 to 9 months |
| Software Used | Toon Boom |
| Voice Cast | Family members and friends |
Collaborating with Family in the Recording Booth
Audio design played an integral role in rooting the project in Taiwanese culture. Lee chose to feature Taiwanese dialogue and traditional musical arrangements so that family members could understand the film without relying on subtitles. With Lee based in Canada during production, voice recording sessions were conducted remotely.
Her father surprised the production team by delivering his lines efficiently within three takes, even contributing script corrections. My dad probably lived for fifty-some years without knowing he had this latent talent,
Lee noted. The soundscape also incorporates authentic live audio captured at night markets and family card games during the Lunar New Year.
Looking Ahead After Bahamut ACG Success
The Bahamut ACG Creation Contest ceremony brought together creators and industry leaders, offering Lee a chance to connect with established professionals like Li Tsou-Gou. For Lee, the project represents a fulfilling conclusion to her university studies before stepping into the professional animation industry. While she plans to continue writing and directing independent animated films, she also remains open to freelance opportunities in background painting and visual design.
