Celebrate International Animation Day on October 28 by reconnecting with your inner child and reminiscing about the time when watching cartoons seemed like the best thing in the world. While maturity and sophistication may have evolved your appreciation for dynamic visual storytelling, today you join a global community in recognizing the creativity and vibrancy of this art form and thriving industry.

History and Background

• Inception: International Animation Day was first celebrated on October 28th, 2002, commemorating the first public performance of animated images known as Emile Reynaud’s Theatre Optique in Paris in 1892. The International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) initiated and promotes the observance globally.

• Purpose: The day aims to celebrate animation as a vibrant art form, highlight its technological innovations and creative processes, and foster international cooperation among animators, filmmakers, and animation enthusiasts.

Objectives of International Animation Day

• Promotion of Animation: Raise awareness about animation as a versatile medium for storytelling, visual expression, and artistic innovation.

• Cultural Exchange: Foster cultural exchange and collaboration among animators, studios, and animation communities worldwide.

• Education and Outreach: Promote animation education, training, and workshops to inspire creativity and support aspiring animators.

Activities and Ways to Celebrate

• Film Screenings: Screen animated films, short films, and documentaries about animation history, techniques, and notable animators.

• Workshops and Masterclasses: Organize animation workshops, seminars, and masterclasses led by industry professionals to share insights into animation techniques and creative processes.

• Exhibitions and Festivals: Attend or host exhibitions, animation festivals, and retrospectives showcasing animated artworks, installations, and interactive experiences.

• Social Media Campaigns: Engage in online campaigns and social media initiatives to share animations, behind-the-scenes content, and insights into the animation industry using hashtags such as #InternationalAnimationDay or #IAD.

Global Impact and Recognition

• Artistic Innovation: Animation continues to evolve technologically and artistically, influencing film, television, advertising, video games, and digital media industries worldwide.

• Cultural Diversity: Celebrates diverse animation styles, techniques, and narratives from different countries and cultures, promoting global understanding and appreciation.

• Community Engagement: Builds a global community of animation enthusiasts, professionals, educators, and audiences passionate about the art and craft of animation.

How to Participate

• Attend Events: Participate in International Animation Day events, screenings, and workshops organized by animation schools, studios, museums, and cultural institutions.

• Create and Share Animation: Create animations, short films, or animated artworks to share with peers and audiences, showcasing your creativity and storytelling skills.

• Support Animation: Support independent animators, animation studios, and animation festivals by attending screenings, purchasing artwork, and spreading awareness about their work.

International Animation Day celebrates the creativity, innovation, and cultural impact of animation as an art form and storytelling medium. By participating in events and supporting animation initiatives, individuals contribute to the global appreciation and advancement of animation as a dynamic and influential art form.