Top 20 Most Prestigious Animation Film Festivals Around The Globe: 2025 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 Animation Film Festival
Annecy International Animated Film Festival, widely regarded as the world's premier animation festival, returns in 2025 with a celebration of Hungarian animation and music videos. The festival is scheduled to take place from June 8 to 14, 2025, in the picturesque town of Annecy, France. As a major platform for creativity and innovation, Annecy gathers animation professionals, enthusiasts, and fans from around the world to explore the latest advancements and artistic accomplishments in the medium.
This year’s edition will include a tribute to the rich history and contributions of Hungarian animation, alongside a spotlight on the experimental and artistic world of music videos. The festival’s program features competitions for shorts, feature films, TV films, and more, as well as retrospectives, exhibitions, and masterclasses by industry leaders. Notably, the Annecy International Animation Film Market (Mifa) will take place from June 10 to 13, offering a hub for networking and industry insights.
Animafest Zagreb
World Festival of Animated Film - Animafest Zagreb, one of the oldest and most revered animation festivals in the world, will take place from June 2 to June 7, 2025, in the lively Croatian capital. Since its inception in 1972, Animafest has been a vital hub for animation enthusiasts, showcasing groundbreaking works from around the globe.
The 2025 edition will spotlight the intersection of animation and literature, exploring how animated storytelling draws inspiration from classic and contemporary written works. The festival will also feature a retrospective on the evolution of Croatian animation, celebrating its unique contributions to the global animation landscape. Through a dynamic program of screenings, exhibitions, and talks, Animafest continues to be a leading platform for innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange in the world of animation.
Ottawa International Animation Film Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), North America's oldest and largest animation festival, is scheduled to take place from September 24 to 28, 2025, in Ottawa, Canada.
Established in 1976, OIAF has become a premier event in the animation industry, attracting artists, producers, students, and fans from around the world.
The 2025 edition will explore the theme of "Animation and Interactive Media," delving into the convergence of traditional animation techniques with emerging interactive technologies.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse program of screenings, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight the innovative ways animators are integrating interactivity into their work.
Venues across downtown Ottawa, including the ByTowne Cinema, Arts Court, and the Ottawa Art Gallery, will host the festival's events, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for animation enthusiasts.
Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film
The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS), one of the world's premier events for animated film, is scheduled to take place from May 6 to May 11, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany.
Established in 1982, ITFS has grown into a significant platform for showcasing a diverse range of animation, intersecting with visual effects, games, architecture, art, design, and music.
The 2025 edition will delve into the Swiss world of animation, offering exclusive talks, panels, workshops, and masterclasses.
The festival will transform Stuttgart into a vibrant hub for animation enthusiasts, featuring film screenings, exhibitions, and interactive sessions that celebrate the art and technology of animation.
Fantoche International Animation Film Festival
The Fantoche International Animation Film Festival, Switzerland's premier event dedicated exclusively to animation, is set to take place from September 2 to 7, 2025, in Baden, Switzerland.
Established in 1995, Fantoche has evolved into a significant cultural event, celebrating the art of animation in its many facets, including technology, content, and media. The festival serves as both a public celebration and a meeting place for professionals in the film and creative industries.
The 2025 edition will explore the theme of "Animation and Multimedia," delving into the convergence of animation with other forms of art and communication. Attendees can anticipate a rich program of screenings, exhibitions, and discussions that highlight the innovative intersections of animation with various media.
Baden, with its small-city charm and vibrant cultural scene, provides an ideal backdrop for Fantoche, offering professional and comfortable venues that enhance the festival experience.
Animac International Animation Film Festival of Catalonia
The Animac International Animation Film Festival of Catalonia, a prominent event dedicated to artistic and expressive animation, is scheduled to take place from February 20 to 23, 2025, in Lleida, Spain.
Established in 1996, Animac has carved a niche as a non-competitive festival that emphasizes animation as a tool for personal expression, transcending traditional narrative boundaries.
The 2025 edition, themed "We, Animals," aims to delve into the intricate connections between humans and the animal kingdom, exploring these relationships through the lens of animation.
Attendees can anticipate a rich program featuring screenings, exhibitions, and discussions that highlight innovative and daring works, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared existence with other species.
Lleida, with its vibrant cultural scene, provides an ideal backdrop for Animac, offering venues such as the Principal Theatre, which serves as the official festival venue.
Anifilm International Festival of Animated Films
The Anifilm International Festival of Animated Films, a distinguished event in the world of animation, is scheduled to take place from May 6 to 11, 2025, in Liberec, Czech Republic.
Established in 2002, Anifilm has grown into one of Europe's most inspiring showcases of animated films, renowned for presenting a diverse array of global animation across various genres and styles.
The 2025 edition will explore the theme of "Animation and Multimedia," focusing on the convergence of animation with other art forms and digital media. Attendees can anticipate a rich program of screenings, workshops, and discussions that highlight the innovative intersections of animation with various media.
Liberec, with its vibrant cultural scene, provides an ideal backdrop for Anifilm, offering venues that enhance the festival experience.
Anima Brussels International Animation Film Festival
The Anima Brussels International Animation Film Festival, a premier event in the animation industry, is scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 9, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.
Established in 1982, Anima has grown into one of Europe's most significant animation festivals, renowned for its diverse programming and vibrant atmosphere.
The 2025 edition, marking its 44th year, will explore the theme of "Dreams," delving into the surreal and imaginative aspects of animation.
Attendees can anticipate a rich program of screenings, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight the innovative ways animators bring dreamscapes to life.
The festival will be held at venues including Flagey, Marni, and Cinematek, transforming Brussels into a vibrant hub for animation enthusiasts.
London International Animation Festival
The London International Animation Festival (LIAF), a premier event celebrating the full spectrum of animation, is scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 7, 2025, in London, United Kingdom.
Established in 2003, LIAF has grown into one of the largest animation festivals globally, showcasing approximately 300 independent animated films annually.
The festival's 2024 edition will explore the theme of "Dreams," delving into the surreal and imaginative aspects of animation.
Attendees can anticipate a diverse program of screenings, retrospectives, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and the "Best of the Festival" screening, all aimed at dispelling the misconception that animation is solely for children.
Venues across London, including the Barbican Centre, will host the festival's events, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for animation enthusiasts.
Melbourne International Animation Festival
The Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF), Australia's premier event dedicated to the art of animation, is scheduled to take place from May 4 to May 11, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia.
Established in 2001, MIAF has grown into one of the largest animation festivals globally, showcasing a diverse range of animated works from both established artists and emerging talents.
The 2025 edition marks the festival's 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of animation excellence. Attendees can look forward to a week-long program featuring screenings, forums, and special events that highlight the evolution and future of animation as an art form.
Events will be held at venues including the Treasury Theatre in Melbourne and The Backlot Studios in South Melbourne, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for animation enthusiasts.
Fredrikstad Animation Festival
The Fredrikstad Animation Festival (FAF), the leading animation event in the Nordic region, is scheduled to take place from October 22 to 26, 2025, in Fredrikstad, Norway.
Established in 1994, FAF has become a cornerstone for promoting and increasing awareness of animated expressions in the Nordic-Baltic countries.
The 2025 edition will continue to showcase the best in Nordic-Baltic animation, featuring a diverse program of screenings, seminars, and exhibitions that highlight the region's vibrant animation industry.
Fredrikstad, known for its rich cultural heritage, provides an ideal setting for the festival, offering a vibrant atmosphere for both industry professionals and animation enthusiasts.
Insomnia International Animation Film Festival
The Insomnia International Animation Film Festival, Russia's truly independent, distinctive open-air animation event, is scheduled to take place from July 17 to 21, 2025, in the scenic landscapes of the Kaluga region, near Moscow.
Established in 2013, Insomnia has become a unique cultural phenomenon, offering audiences the opportunity to experience a diverse selection of animated films under the stars. The festival is renowned for its immersive atmosphere, combining the magic of animation with the beauty of natural surroundings.
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 2025 edition will continue its tradition of showcasing hundreds of the best fresh animated films from around the world, presented on three large screens over four consecutive nights. During the day, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including lectures, live music concerts, performances, workshops, craft fairs, exhibitions, and art installations.
The festival's unique setting—a spacious field surrounded by forest and river—creates an unparalleled experience for animation enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and artistic appreciation.
Kaboom Animation Festival
The Kaboom Animation Festival, the Netherlands' premier event celebrating the art of animation, is scheduled to take place from March 21 to 30, 2025, with events in both Utrecht and Amsterdam, as well as online.
Established in 2019 through the merger of KLIK Amsterdam Animation Festival and Holland Animation Film Festival, Kaboom has rapidly become a significant platform for showcasing a diverse range of animated works, from experimental arthouse pieces to family-friendly stories.
The 2025 edition will explore the theme of "Provocation," delving into how animation can challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and inspire change.
Attendees can anticipate a rich program of screenings, workshops, and discussions that highlight the provocative power of animation as a medium.
Events will be held at venues including Eye Amsterdam and Slachtstraat Utrecht, transforming these cities into vibrant hubs for animation enthusiasts.
Fest Anča International Animation Festival
The Fest Anča International Animation Festival, Slovakia's premier event dedicated to animated films, is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 29, 2025, in Žilina, Slovakia.
Established in 2008, Fest Anča has grown into a significant platform for showcasing contemporary, progressive animated films, aiming to raise awareness about animation as an autonomous art form.
The 2025 edition will continue this tradition, offering a diverse program that includes screenings, workshops, and discussions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of animation.
Žilina, with its vibrant cultural scene, provides an ideal backdrop for Fest Anča, offering venues that enhance the festival experience.
Bucheon International Animation Festival
The Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF), a leading event in the animation industry, is scheduled to take place from October 24 to 28, 2025, in Bucheon, South Korea.
Established in 1999, BIAF has grown into a significant platform for showcasing a diverse range of animated works, including feature films, short films, graduation projects, TV and commissioned works, Korean short films, and virtual reality animations.
The 2025 edition will continue to celebrate the art of animation, offering a rich program of screenings, workshops, and discussions that highlight the latest trends and innovations in the field.
Bucheon, known for its vibrant cultural scene, provides an ideal backdrop for BIAF, offering venues that enhance the festival experience.
MONSTRA Lisbon Animation Festival
The MONSTRA Lisbon Animation Festival, a premier event dedicated to the art of animation, is scheduled to celebrate its 25th anniversary from March 20 to 30, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal.
Established in 2000, MONSTRA has consistently aimed to present and promote the best animated films from around the world, fostering experimentation and discussion of new ideas, artistic approaches, and forms.
The 2025 edition will feature a special focus on Austria as the guest country, highlighting its contributions to the field of animation.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse program that includes competitions, retrospectives, curated screenings, world and Portuguese premieres, exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, and talks, all aimed at celebrating the rich and diverse world of animation.
CINANIMA International Animated Film Festival of Espinho
The CINANIMA International Animated Film Festival of Espinho, a distinguished event in the animation industry, is scheduled to hold its 49th edition from November 7 to 16, 2025, in Espinho, Portugal.
Established in 1976, CINANIMA has been dedicated to promoting animated cinema and its creators, earning international recognition as a precursor of cultural decentralization in Portugal.
The 2024 edition will feature a diverse program, including competitions, retrospectives, and special screenings, aimed at showcasing the best in animation from around the world.
Espinho, with its vibrant cultural scene, provides an ideal backdrop for CINANIMA, offering venues that enhance the festival experience.
ANIMA - Córdoba International Animation Festival
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 2025, continuing its tradition of showcasing groundbreaking works in animation
Animasyros International Animation Festival
Animasyros, Greece’s most renowned animation festival, is set to return in September 2025 on the picturesque island of Syros. Since its founding in 2008, the festival has established itself as a vital cultural event, celebrating animation in all its forms while fostering creative exchange among filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals.
Known for its vibrant program of screenings, workshops, and industry events, Animasyros also hosts the Agora, an animation market that supports networking and collaboration. The festival is uniquely intertwined with its location, offering screenings and events in stunning venues like the historic Apollon Theatre and under the stars in Miaouli Square. Animasyros continues to blend artistic innovation with the charm of Syros, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
International Animation Festival Chilemonos
The International Animation Festival Chilemonos, one of Latin America’s most prominent animation events, is set to celebrate its 14th edition in May 2025. Since its inception in 2012, the festival has been a vital platform for showcasing the best in Chilean, Latin American, and global animation, fostering connections between creators, audiences, and industry professionals.
The 2025 edition will continue its hybrid format, with online events available across Latin America throughout the month and in-person screenings and activities taking place in Santiago during the final week of May. As an Oscar-qualifying festival, Chilemonos attracts top-tier talent and serves as a significant gateway for animated works aiming for global recognition. Alongside its competitive sections, the festival offers an engaging program of workshops, masterclasses, and discussions, ensuring a dynamic and inspiring experience for all attendees.