ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) was founded in 1960 in Annecy, France, by a group of prominent animators and filmmakers, including renowned figures such as Norman McLaren, John Halas, and others. ASIFA’s goal was to promote animation as an art form, foster international collaboration, and support animators’ professional development.
ASIFA has been closely associated with major animation festivals, such as the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which is one of the most prestigious in the world. Over the years, ASIFA has played a vital role in promoting animation education and has chapters in various countries that encourage networking and collaboration among animation professionals.
ASIFA also established International Animation Day (IAD) on October 28, commemorating Émile Reynaud’s Théâtre Optique, which is regarded as one of the earliest public performances of animated moving images in 1892. This day is now celebrated globally with screenings, events, and activities dedicated to the art of animation. For 2024, the independent animator Bill Plimpton designed the poster:
This year at UTD, we are thrilled to showcase a global selection of short films that pay tribute to the rich artistry of animation. The short animations you will see are part of the “Best of Annecy 2024” program selection, combining a selection of shorts, mainly winning films from the latest Annecy International Animation Film Festival, with one tailor-made opening sequence by second-year students from GOBELINS Paris, celebrating the culture of this year’s honored country: Portugal.
The screening starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Jonsson Performance Hall (JO 2.604). Below is the complete list of films, presented in the order they will be shown. Please note that the animations screened are not appropriate for kids. Parental guidance is advised.
INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION DAY PROGRAM OCT/28
Afterparty
Directed by: Cléo DE LASTEYRE, Juliette DIVOL, Morgane FRAUDEAU, Cassiopée MELERO, Louise TRICHET, Xinrou ZHOU for Gobelins Paris
Country: France
The sun rises over the city of Lisbon the day after its biggest festival, Santo Antonio. As citizens wake up and begin their day, the festival decorations come to life as they leave the city.
The Car That Came Back from the Sea
Directed by: Jadwiga ̘KOWALSKA
Country: Switzerland
Full of exuberance and frivolousness, six friends drive to the Polish Baltic coast and back in a small, beaten-up car. During their trip, their car and their country fall apart. Nevertheless, life goes on.
Jury Award for a Short Film
France TV Award for a Short Film
[S]
Directed by: Mario RADEV
Country: United Kingdom
[S] is a loop that exposes the lifespan of infinity. The film delves into an immersive loop of organic forms, reflecting on the entangled nature of life and art.
Award: Jean-Luc Xiberras Award for a First Film
Beautiful Men
Directed by: Nicolas KEPPENS
Country: Belgium, France, Netherlands
Three balding brothers travel to Istanbul to get a hair transplant. Stuck with each other in a hotel far from home, their insecurities grow faster than their hair.
Award: Alexeïeff – Parker Award
Festivals Connexion Award
Butterfly
Directed by: Florence MIAILHE
Country: France
A man is swimming in the sea. As he does, memories rise to the surface. From his early childhood to his life as a man, all his memories are linked to water. Some are happy, some glorious, some traumatic.
Hurikán
Directed by: Jan SASKA
Country: Czech Republic, France, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hurikán rushes out to save his favorite beer stand from closure by fetching a new keg to impress the bartender he has a crush on. In a wild Prague district, he faces robbers, cops, and his own thirst. Despite getting the keg, he succumbs to temptation.
For more information and parking details, please visit the Comet Calendar for this event.