ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival
From May 13–17, 2026, the 9th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival will take place at the Nizami Cinema Center and Fluxus Space Gallery. The main theme of the 9th ANIMAFILM Festival is “The Sea.”
The festival is organized by the Azerbaijan Animation Association and ANIMAFILM LLC, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Cinema Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARKA) and the Creative Center (YARADICI).
This year’s festival program includes:
Rich competition and non-competition programs
Meetings with international animation professionals
Presentation of the animated series Izzy and Piti
New Azerbaijani animated films
Presentation of the ANIMAFILM Journal
OSCAR and BAFTA films
“ANIMAFILM School: Stop-motion” workshop
The 2nd ANIMAFILM Pitching Competition
See full festival program on our website: www.animafilm.az
The following festival events are free of charge:
Opening Ceremony. Premiere of Izzy and Piti and Porridge Monster. May 13, 2026 (19:30–21:00). Nizami Cinema Center. No registration required. 6+
“ANIMAFILM School: Stop-motion” workshop. Registration required. Ages 16+
Tickets for other events are available at: Tripsome
Partners:
Nizami Cinema Center
Nine Senses
Fluxus Space Gallery
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Azerbaijan
Embassy of Canada to Türkiye and Azerbaijan
British Council
Embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani Language Platform
Şekerci Cafer Erol
Eminence – Events & Catering
Almond Cake & Bakery
Cuppa Coffee
Dynamic Box
Kinobiz
OB Film
KYNO
FAMU
Ticketing partner: Tripsome
ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival
The ANIMAFILM festival promotes creativity through animated cinema. We believe that animated films can bring people together and create significant changes in our society. Since 2018, ANIMAFILM has evolved into a true platform that we organize annually. The festival unites children, young people, animation directors, and studios, introducing them to international experience, connecting them with professional local and foreign animation experts, screening hundreds of animated films, and hosting masterclasses, conferences, concerts, performances, and exhibitions. The festival program includes local and international competitions, non-competitive screenings, professional sessions, and accompanying events.
Regional animation festivals have become a tradition to encourage the development of animation cinema and industry in different regions. In 2021, “ANIMAFILM in Sheki”, in 2023, “ANIMAFILM in Nakhchivan”, in 2024, “ANIMAFILM in Lankaran”, in 2025, “ANIMAFILM in Ganja”, “ANIMAFILM in Lankaran”, “ANIMAFILM in Khankendi”, “ANIMAFILM in Lachin”, in 2026, “ANIMAFILM in Ganja” were organised.
In 2024, the ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival was included in the “BAFTA Festivals List” by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Organizers: Azerbaijan Animation Association, ANIMAFILM LLC
Festival Director: Rashid Aghamaliyev
Executive Director: Sarkhan Najiyev
Contact: animafilm.biaf@gmail.com
