Animation festivals are can’t miss events for anyone interested in the art of animation. To make it easy for you to stay in the know, we’ve pulled together a list of our favorite animation festivals from around the world. These events showcase the work of master animators, students, and creators from around the globe and many now include an online element, so you can watch the entries from the comfort of your home.
Annecy Animation Festival
If you only tune in to one film festival this year, it should probably be Annecy. This premier event is one of the festivals sponsored by the International Animated Film Association.
Held in the city of Annecy, France, during the second week of June each year, this festival has long been known for its unique atmosphere. IdeaRocket Founder and Creative Director William Gadea recalls his experience.
“The culture of the festival is like no other. The audience is rowdy. If they don’t like a film, they hoot and hiss, and boo. Before the films begin, there’s a tradition of tossing paper airplanes around in the theatre. However, they also know animation. The audience is mostly French and European animation students, and they really know and appreciate the art … And of course, the parties are great.”
In addition to the Annecy Animation Festival, attendees can also meet and connect at Mifa, the Annecy International Animation Film Market. It includes partner pitches, industry panels, recruiting sessions and more for professionals working in animation.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival was the first major animation festival to take place in North America. Now showing yearly near the end of September, this event was founded by the Canadian Film Institute. It features screenings, talks, social activities, and the Animation Exposé, a series of events that gives visitors a deeper experience of the world of animation.
The animation conference (TAC) runs immediately before the festival. This event connects producers, content creators, and production partners through keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking events. Meanwhile, the Animation Exposé, gives the public an inside look at their favorite animated shows.
Hiroshima International Animation Festival
Unfortunately, the city of Hiroshima, Japan, chose to stop hosting the Hiroshima International Animation Festival after the last event in 2020. This bi-annual festival was one of the four film festivals sponsored by the International Animated Film Association but has since been replaced by a more general city-sponsored cultural event. For more information about the end of the Hiroshima Festival, you can read the official statement from ASIFA.
ANIMA, Córdoba International Animation Festival
Started in 2021, ANIMA is the emerging conference on our list. This biannual event is held in Cordoba, Argentina on odd-numbered years. Their goal, to strengthen the animation community within Latin America. The event features works by creators from all over the world, and puts Argentina on the map for animation.
Alongside the festival, ANIMA’s International Academic Forum is Latin America’s only specific conference on Animation.
Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film
The Stuttgart Animation Festival in Germany brings animation out into the open, with their free open air cinema. This spring event brings together artists, industry professionals, and animation with screenings, awards, and learning opportunities.
The FMX, film and media exchange, runs parallel to the festival to explore the latest in Animation, Visual Effects, Interactive and Immersive Media. With around 300 speakers, this conference is a full-spectrum look at animation today.
Animafest Zagreb
The Zagreb animation festival in Croatia bills itself as the festival “by the filmmakers for the filmmakers.” Taking place in early June, Zagreb is the second oldest film festival in the world completely dedicated to animation.
As another International Animated Film Association sponsored festival, Zagreb is a destination for both creators and animation enthusiasts. It has a uniquely warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the people behind the animation.
For more on what’s new and emerging in animation, check out student showcases from the three best animation schools in the world.
