Animafest Zagreb was founded by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA). The idea to hold a film event focusing on animation came about because animated shorts produced by the Zagreb School of Animated Films enjoyed worldwide critical and popular acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s. At an ASIFA meeting held in 1969 in London, the Association accepted the candidacy of Zagreb for hosting a regular animated film festival. The inaugural edition of Animafest Zagreb took place in 1972.
Originally the Zagreb Animated Film Festival was meant to be held biennially, taking turns with the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. From 1972 to 2004, it indeed was a biennial event dedicated to animated shorts that was held on even years. Between 2005 and 2015, a feature film festival edition was held on odd years, taking turns with the short film editions. In 2015, both festivals merged into one event. Today Animafest Zargeb is an annual animated film festival that showcases both short and feature films.
Animafest Zagreb hosts several film competitions and awards prizes in a number of categories. Its competitions include Short Film Competition, Feature Film Competition, Croatian Film Competition, Student Film Competition, and Children’s Film Competition. Alongside jury and audience awards in the competition, the festivals presents several special awards such as Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Animation School, and Award for Outstanding Contribution to Animation Studies.
Alongside the competition screenings and awards ceremonies, the programs of Animafest Zagreb includes special screenings (panoramas, retrospectives, etc.), exhibitions and presentations, pitching sessions, lectures and forums, workshops, and other events and activities. The World Festival of Animated Film is a festival by the filmmakers for the filmmakers that celebrates creative animation in all its forms.
Photo: animafest.hr
