Top 20 Most Prestigious Animation Film Festivals Around The Globe: 2024 edition

Animation has evolved into a compelling storytelling medium, captivating global audiences with its unique fusion of art and technology. In response, a multitude of film festivals have arisen worldwide, each dedicated to celebrating the finest in animated filmmaking. Below, we present the 20 most prestigious animation film festivals across the globe, meticulously selected by our editorial team.

Annecy International Animated Film Festival, often regarded as the world's premier animation festival, is held annually in Annecy, France. Esteemed for its vibrant showcase of creativity and innovation in animation, Annecy acts as a major industry platform where professionals and enthusiasts gather to view advancements and artistic accomplishments within the field. The festival celebrates various forms of animation, from traditional and digital works to experimental and interactive media, featuring competitions, retrospectives, and special exhibitions.

The 2024 edition of the festival is scheduled from June 9 to June 15. This year, Annecy continues to spotlight a diverse array of animated works from around the globe in its competitive and non-competitive sections. Highlights include significant industry insights, masterclasses from notable figures like Terry Gilliam and Wes Anderson, and special previews of up-and-coming projects. With a robust program that underscores both the heritage and future of animation, Annecy remains a pivotal gathering for the global animation community​

World Festival of Animated Film - Animafest Zagreb, established in 1972, stands as one of the oldest and most esteemed animation festivals globally. Renowned for celebrating all forms of animation from traditional to CGI and experimental media, it is held annually in Zagreb, Croatia. The festival not only showcases a rich array of animated works from around the world but also features retrospectives, exhibitions, and workshops that contribute significantly to both the local and international animation landscape.

The 2024 edition of Animafest Zagreb will take place from June 3 to June 8. This year, the festival will continue its tradition of fostering creative exchanges among filmmakers, with a variety of competitive categories and special programs that highlight both student and professional achievements in animation. Key events include international symposiums on animation studies and various thematic programs that explore contemporary trends in animation. With a vibrant atmosphere that unites animation enthusiasts and creators, Animafest Zagreb serves as a pivotal platform for artistic collaboration and innovation

Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is North America's largest animation festival and one of the premier events of its kind globally. Established in 1976, the OIAF hosts a wide array of competition categories and showcases a breadth of animation styles from traditional to CGI and virtual reality, reflecting its inclusive approach to both commercial and independent projects.

Scheduled for September 25-29, 2024, the festival will transform multiple venues across Ottawa into hubs for animated films, industry panels, workshops, and networking events. The OIAF is celebrated not only for its extensive film screenings but also for The Animation Conference (TAC), which runs concurrently, focusing on the business and production side of animation. This event offers pitch sessions, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest industry trends.

Each year, the festival attracts thousands of artists, producers, students, and animation fans from around the globe, making it a vibrant meeting point for creative exchange and inspiration. The OIAF’s competitions are diverse, including categories for narrative and non-narrative shorts, student animations, commissioned films, and animations intended for children and young adults.

Moreover, the festival's awards are highly regarded, with past winners gaining international acclaim. The festival’s unique position in the industry is enhanced by its historical significance and its role in showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing works in animation​

Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS), set to take place from April 23 to 28, 2024, is a leading event in the world of animation, held annually in Stuttgart, Germany. Celebrating its 31st edition, the ITFS is renowned for its extensive and diverse program that includes competitions for feature-length and short films, workshops, and panels that cater to both professionals and enthusiast.

For 2024, ITFS is introducing several new features under the direction of Heike Mozer and Annegret Richter. The festival will emphasize a "festival of short distances" concept, aiming to make event locations more accessible within the city. This includes a new central festival center that will host filmmaker talks and various panel discussions. Additionally, the event will kick off with a joint opening ceremony a day before the festival, celebrating the interconnectedness of the animated film, media exchange, and production industries.

ITFS remains a vital platform for showcasing innovative works in traditional and emerging formats such as VR and AR, attracting around 80,000 visitors and 2,500 industry professionals each year. It's also a crucial springboard for emerging talent, providing opportunities to engage directly with leaders in the field and participate in diverse educational offerings​.

The festival continues to be an Oscar-qualifying event, highlighting its importance and influence within the global animation community. This status underscores its commitment to showcasing high-quality and groundbreaking animated works from around the world.

Fantoche International Animation Film Festival, scheduled for September 3-8, 2024, in Baden, Switzerland, is recognized as Switzerland's most significant cultural event devoted exclusively to animation. The festival showcases a wide array of animated works from around the globe, including short films, feature films, and multimedia projects. It has been a pivotal platform for promoting innovative and creative filmmaking since its inception in 1995.

Fantoche serves as a vibrant meeting place for both the general public and industry professionals. It features various competitive categories such as the International Competition, Swiss Competition, and Kids Film Competition, emphasizing the festival's commitment to fostering new talent and exploring a broad spectrum of animation techniques and content. The Kids Film Competition, notable for involving young jurors and offering a Young Audience Award, highlights the festival's dedication to engaging with younger audiences and encouraging their participation in the cinematic arts​.

The festival's program is known for its structured and diverse offerings, which include not just screenings but also in-depth workshops, lectures, and exhibitions that extend the boundaries of traditional animation. Each year, Fantoche attracts a large audience, including approximately 2,500 accredited professionals, making it a key event for networking and collaboration within the animation and creative industries.

Animac International Animation Film Festival of Catalonia, set to take place from February 15 to 18, 2024, in Lleida, Spain, is renowned for its focus on independent and artistic animation. Organized by the Lleida City Council and the Generalitat de Catalunya, Animac distinguishes itself as a non-competitive event aimed at artists using animation for personal expression and exploring the limits of traditional narrative.

This festival is celebrated for its dynamic and inclusive approach, drawing creators and audiences with its commitment to innovation and artistic exploration. Animac encourages submissions from animators around the world, looking for works that push expressive potential to the limit. The festival offers several audience awards across different sections, such as the official selection, student animations, and children's animations, reflecting its broad appeal across age groups and professional stages.

Animac is not only a showcase for pioneering animated films but also serves as a vibrant meeting point for networking among animation professionals, students, and enthusiasts, fostering a lively exchange of ideas and artistic collaboration​.

Anifilm International Festival of Animated Films, taking place from May 7 to 12, 2024, in Liberec, Czech Republic, is a significant event in the world of animation. This festival, distinct for its rich history and commitment to showcasing innovative animated works, is an essential platform for both established filmmakers and emerging talents from around the globe.

Anifilm focuses on a wide range of animated forms, from traditional short films to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. The festival includes several competition categories, such as feature films, short films, student films, music videos, and even computer games, celebrating the diversity of the medium. The festival also features a special category called Czech Horizon that highlights national productions, ensuring a spotlight on local creativity alongside international works.

For 2024, Anifilm offers a vibrant program that includes not only screenings but also masterclasses, industry panels, and special exhibitions. One of the highlighted themes for this edition is the exploration of manipulated puppets, offering attendees a deep dive into this unique animation style with tributes to notable figures in puppet animation like Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.

Furthermore, the festival will host the CEE Animation Market, facilitating a dynamic networking environment for producers and creators to connect and discuss their projects in various development stages. This market is a critical component for fostering collaboration and innovation within the animation industry.

Overall, Anifilm stands out not just for its celebration of animation as an art form but also for its role in advancing the industry through comprehensive programs that cater to both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Anima Brussels International Animation Film Festival, celebrated for its 43rd edition, will be held from February 23 to March 3, 2024, across prominent venues in Brussels, including Flagey and Cinematek. Recognized for its wide appeal, Anima offers a program rich in diverse animations catering to both adults and children, with over 300 animated films scheduled. This edition features a special focus on science fiction, highlighting this genre's resurgence in popularity.

Daytime events at Anima are specially designed for children and include previews, short films, and interactive workshops. Evening sessions are aimed at an adult audience, featuring a variety of feature films and thematic events like Queer Night and Animated Night, ensuring vibrant and inclusive programming. The festival's atmosphere is further enriched by professional panels and new technology showcases, emphasizing its role as a key platform for innovation in animation.

Anima is also an Academy Award-qualifying festival for Best Animated Short Film, underlining its importance in the global animation landscape. The festival celebrates new talents and includes categories like animated documentaries and films offering fresh perspectives on various societal themes.

London International Animation Festival (LIAF), the UK's largest and longest-running animation festival, will be held from late November to early December 2024, featuring about 300 independent animated films across various London venues. The festival spans ten days and showcases a diverse range of animated works, from independent shorts to feature films in various genres and styles​.

LIAF 2024 is open to a wide variety of animation types, including short films, feature films, student projects, music videos, and animated documentaries. The festival aims to challenge the misconception that animation is merely for children by presenting a broad spectrum of animations that appeal to all ages.

In addition to film screenings, LIAF offers an array of workshops, Q&As, and industry events, making it not just a festival for viewing but also for learning and networking. The event also includes a UK Animation Industry Event that focuses on discussions and networking among professionals in the animation industry.

Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF), Australia’s premier animation festival, is a vibrant week-long event that celebrates the best in both international and Australian animated films. Scheduled to run from May 5 to May 12, 2024, the festival will showcase over 400 animated works, ranging from recently released films to historical and retrospective pieces. The event is held annually at venues like the Treasury Theatre and The Backlot Studios in Melbourne.

MIAF 2024 promises a diverse program that includes forums, Q&A sessions, and various competition programs aimed at both new and established filmmakers. This festival not only highlights auteur animation but also provides a platform for emerging talents, allowing them to display their works to both national and international audiences.

The festival is known for its expansive line-up which includes award winners, industry veterans, and independent studios, making it one of the largest festivals dedicated to animation in the world. Tickets and passes for the event vary, with options available for individual screenings and full festival access.

Fredrikstad Animation Festival, celebrated annually in Fredrikstad, Norway, is a prominent event in the Nordic region that showcases the art of animated films. Scheduled for October 24-27, 2024, the festival features a range of activities including screenings of Nordic-Baltic animated films and international entries, masterclasses, and seminars with professionals from the animation industry.

FAF is notable for its competitive sections that spotlight Nordic-Baltic animated features, shorts, student films, and commissioned works, reflecting the festival's emphasis on supporting and promoting animation talents from these regions. In addition to the regional focus, the 2024 edition introduces an International Short Film Competition, opening the event to global submissions​.

The festival is not just a hub for showcasing films but also serves as an educational platform with numerous industry-related seminars and lectures. This makes it an important venue for students and educational institutions involved in animation, graphic design, and digital media production.

Insomnia International Animation Film Festival, held in the Russia, is a truly independent, distinctive open-air event that showcases a wide array of animated films from around the world. Scheduled for July 17-22, 2024, this festival offers a unique viewing experience in natural settings, enhancing the connection between the audience and the animation on display. 

Sometimes referred as "Animation Woodstock", event can be likened to a grand music festival, but instead of rock bands, the stars of the show are animated films.

The festival is known for its competitive spirit with categories like "Debyutoriya" for students and beginners, and "Profnastil" for professional short films. The festival also awards creative achievements in various categories including the best young animation, the best professional film, and the best non-narrative or experimental film.

The festival's non-commercial ethos emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, featuring additional activities like workshops, craft fairs, and live music, making it a culturally rich experience for attendees. This event is particularly notable for its picturesque setting, which organizers believe enhances the viewing experience, bringing viewers closer to the essence of cinematic art.

Kaboom Animation Festival, scheduled for April 5-14, promises a compelling exploration of the theme "home" in animation. This event will take place in both Utrecht and Amsterdam, and will also be available online, with online screenings being geoblocked to the Netherlands. The festival is set to present a broad array of animated works, ranging from cutting-edge experimental pieces to family-friendly stories, catering to a diverse audience of animation enthusiasts​.

This year's edition is particularly notable for its inclusive and varied programming which features 178 films and VR works across nine categories. These include international shorts, Dutch shorts, commissioned shorts, shorts for kids, short documentaries, VR projects, and special curated segments like New Directions and Poetry in Motion. This wide range ensures that there's something available for everyone, from industry professionals to casual viewers.

Kaboom also continues its tradition of being a vibrant cultural hub, encouraging interactions among filmmakers, artists, and audiences. The festival facilitates these through various events and discussions, all aimed at providing a deeper understanding of animation as a dynamic and influential form of art and storytelling​.

Fest Anča International Animation Festival, set in Žilina, Slovakia, is a notable event in the world of animation, especially given its status as the only Slovak festival qualified for the Academy Awards®. Scheduled to run from June 25 to June 30, 2024, the festival will screen a rich variety of 206 films from a competitive pool of 1,340 submissions from 71 countries. This edition’s competition includes a diverse range of animation techniques and storytelling approaches with a strong representation of student works among the 32 titles in the main competition.

Fest Anča is dedicated to showcasing the art of animated films aimed predominantly at a mature audience. The festival spans various categories including animated shorts, music videos, and Slovak animations, with special prizes awarded to outstanding works in these areas. The Anča Awards encompass categories like Best Animated Short, Best Student Animated Short, and Best Slovak Animated Short, which are notable for their potential to qualify for the Oscar® short film category.

This year, the festival continues to offer a platform for both professional and emerging animators, with additional non-competitive sections featuring animated documentaries and experimental animations. Besides film screenings, Fest Anča enriches its program with workshops, exhibitions, and presentations, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of animation as an art form and stimulate industry networking.

Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF), scheduled from October 25 to 29 in Bucheon, South Korea, is a prominent event that highlights the diverse and dynamic world of animation. Established in 1999, BIAF is celebrated as the sole animation festival in Asia with a competition that spans six categories: Feature Films, Short Films, Graduation Films, TV & Commissioned Films, Korean Short Films, and VR. The festival is recognized for its significant prize offerings across these categories, totaling $46,000 in 2024, marking it as an event with one of the largest prize pools in the animation festival circuit.

BIAF 2024 stands out not only for its competitions but also for its Academy Awards® Qualifying status, which positions it as a crucial stepping stone for filmmakers aiming for Oscar consideration. This status adds a prestigious layer to its already vibrant profile, enhancing its appeal to international filmmakers and artists in the animation industry.

The festival also offers various opportunities for networking and learning, with past editions featuring masterclasses from notable animators from studios like Disney and LAIKA. These educational components are complemented by screenings that are open to both industry professionals and the general public, emphasizing BIAF's role in promoting animation as a significant cultural and artistic form.

MONSTRA - Lisbon Animation Festival, established in 2000, is celebrated for its dedication to showcasing innovative and artistic animations from around the world. Scheduled for March 7-17, 2024, the festival will take place across various venues in Lisbon, including the iconic Cinema São Jorge. MONSTRA is recognized for promoting artistic versatility and the intersection of different artistic forms through animation, making it a unique cultural event in Portugal.

The 2024 edition promises an exciting lineup with a special focus on Ireland as the guest country, which will include retrospectives and curated sessions highlighting Irish animation. The festival will present a diverse range of animated works, including feature films, shorts, student films, and super short films, many of which will be world, European, or national premieres.

MONSTRA also emphasizes educational and interactive components with numerous workshops and masterclasses led by global experts in animation and related arts. For families and younger audiences, the "MONSTRINHA" segment offers specially tailored programming to engage children and youth in the world of animation.

This festival not only serves as a platform for artists to display their creative works but also fosters a deep appreciation for the art of animation among its attendees.

CINANIMA International Animated Film Festival of Espinho, now in its 48th edition, will take place from November 8 to 17, 2024, in Espinho, Portugal. Known as one of the oldest animation festivals in the world, CINANIMA is celebrated for its significant contribution to the animation genre and cultural diversity, offering a wide range of competitive categories and a rich array of events designed to celebrate and explore animated film.

This festival is distinctive not only for its long history but also for its status as an Oscar-qualifying event, particularly for short films, which elevates its prestige and importance in the international animation community. The festival’s program includes an international competition for animated features, shorts, and student films, as well as non-competitive showcases that provide a broad panorama of current animation techniques and styles.

CINANIMA is also known for its commitment to educational activities and community engagement, providing workshops, masterclasses, and screenings aimed at both children and professional animators. This approach helps foster a deeper understanding of animation, from its creative processes to its technical execution, making it a vital event for both seasoned professionals and aspiring animators.

For more detailed information about the festival's programming and ticketing, you can visit the official CINANIMA website or check out additional details provided by local tourism and cultural sites in Espinho.

ANIMA - Córdoba International Animation Festival, held in Córdoba, Argentina, is a premier event focusing on the art and technology of animation. Established in 2001, ANIMA has become the main animation festival in Argentina and a significant event in Latin America, celebrated annually since 2022. The festival includes a diverse array of categories such as short films, feature films, student animations, and commissioned animations, catering to a wide range of audiences and creators.

ANIMA is organized by the Faculty of Arts of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, among other collaborators, and integrates academic conferences with practical workshops, making it both a cultural and an educational event. The festival’s program is rich, featuring competitions for different types of animated works, including those aimed at children, along with experimental and educational animations. Special awards at the festival include the Cachoíto Award, honoring Argentine animation figures, and various jury awards for outstanding animations in different categories.

The festival is noted for its commitment to promoting innovation and providing a platform for networking among professionals, students, and enthusiasts from the animation industry. The next edition of ANIMA is scheduled for early October 2024, continuing its tradition of showcasing groundbreaking works in animation​

Animasyros International Animation Festival is a prominent cultural and educational event focused on animation, held annually in Hermoupolis, Syros, Greece. Scheduled for September 23-29, 2024, the festival is known as the largest of its kind in Greece and garners significant attention within the global animation community. The event comprises a rich blend of artistic programs, educational initiatives, and the Agora—a dedicated space for professional networking and development within the animation sector.

Animasyros has established itself not only as a festival but also as a vibrant market for animated films, featuring an extensive range of activities that include screenings, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops. These events cater to a diverse audience, including children, professionals, and animation enthusiasts from around the world, underscoring the festival's commitment to promoting animation as a dynamic art form and communication medium.

Key highlights of the festival include competitions for various categories such as animated shorts, features, commissioned works, and projects under development, reflecting its inclusive approach to all forms of animation. The festival also prioritizes media literacy, offering programs that enhance understanding and appreciation of animation across different age groups and professional levels.

For more detailed information, interested parties can visit the festival's official website or follow updates on platforms like FilmFreeway, where the festival's submission details are also available.

International Animation Festival Chilemonos, set to run from May 3-31, 2024, in Santiago, Chile, is a key event promoting Chilean and Latin American animation. This festival, established in 2012, is an Oscar-qualifying event for animated shorts, highlighting its significance in the international animation scene.

Chilemonos 2024 will feature a mix of online and in-person events, reflecting its commitment to accessibility and expanding its reach across Latin America. The festival includes a variety of competitions such as the International and Latin American short film competitions, school short film competitions, and a competition for animated series, aiming to showcase a wide range of talent and animation styles.

As a platform for cultural exchange and professional development, Chilemonos also hosts various activities, including workshops and masterclasses, that cater to both professionals and students. This holistic approach not only celebrates animation as an art form but also fosters growth within the industry.