CrossWorlds places us squarely in the timeless story that is – and always has been - played out throughout the world: from the very first civilisations to those of today. Peoples, nations and communities with their own distinct linguistic, cultural, social, religious, economic and political characteristics have nevertheless always shared points of contact and links with one another. These have been acknowledged since time began and they represent the past, the present and the constant unfolding of the future.

A set of historical realities that inspire us to examine and re-examine issues and events from the darkest antiquity to the present day: seafaring discoveries, fantastic inventions and great human achievements, as well as the revolutions, wars and catastrophes that have written our story. The seeds of these intersections are deeply rooted and, in many cases, they have become symbols of their “adopted” countries: the Samba is now synonymous with Brazil but its origins are with the African peoples who sailed there so long ago.

Faced with the Napoleonic threat, the Lines of Torres Vedras were constructed to prevent the troops of l'Armée de Portugal from conquering Lisbon, and so put an end to the invasion. But even before this, in 1807, the Prince Regent, Don João, and the Portuguese Court had strategically moved to Brazil, which was still Portuguese territory, thus creating the necessary conditions for its later independence. The peoples mixed and another great nation was born - Brazil.

This is another example of what is referred to in the USA as the “melting pot” – a metaphor for the coming together of immigrants from around the world who together created their own culture and society.

In this multicultural context, CrossWorlds epitomises a “new challenge”, promoting a common story shared by various peoples. It is everyone’s task to search out, discover, share, cooperate in and develop this meeting of cultures that has always united and divided us.

In this, its second edition, the BANG AWARDS 2011-2013 take CrossWorlds as its theme. Once again, this deals with the connections between history and technology. We want to raise awareness, look again at issues of identity and cultural perspectives in an environment of diversity, seen through the world of Animation Cinema.