Animation

Posted: Wed., Feb. 21, 2007, 10:33am PT

Shorts fest in a toon tussle

Tropfest winner under scrutiny

John Polson's annual Tropfest short film festival, which unspooled in Sydney on Sunday, is embroiled in controversy yet again after winning entry "An Imaginary Life" came under scrutiny from lawyers for Cartoon Network.

Similarities between the short film and web's toon "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends" have been observed.

Toon features a blue blob called Bloo; Steve Baker's Tropfest winner stars a blue blob called Andrew, and both feature imagined playmates.

Cartoon Network Hong Kong issued a statement saying it was looking into the matter.

Last year, a Tropfest finalist admitted to cheating after he recut his old student film for entry into the fest, which demands original films only.

Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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