There are lots of exciting events and festivals for animators, filmmakers, and artists alike that happen year-round, pandemic or no pandemic. Here are 9 more animation festivals and contests to look forward to this 2021:
1. Fest Anča International Animation Festival
Event: July 1-4, 2021
Submission deadline: January 31, 2021
Fest Anca International Animation Festival has announced a call for entries for its 2021 edition that will take place on July 1-4, 2021 in Zilina, Slovakia. Entries will be accepted for competition in animated short films, student films, music videos, and films for children. Attendees can also enjoy presentations, exhibition, workshops, film screenings, and other fun and related activities.
2. Annecy Festival
Event: June 14-19, 2021
Submission deadline: February 15, 2021
Last 2020, Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market (Mifa) went virtual and over 15,500 participants attended the event. The festival will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2021 (June 14-19, 2021) and will be paying tribute to animation from the African continent. Films are being accepted in the following categories: short films, TV films, commissioned films, graduation films, feature films, and VR works. Registrations end on February 7, 2021. Deadline for submission is February 15, 2021, (for feature films - March 15; for VR works - April 6).
3. Animafest Cyprus
Event: August 11-14, 2021
Submission deadline: February 28, 2021; June 30, 2021
Animafest Cyprus, the International Animation Festival of Cyprus, showcases a selection of the world's latest productions, focusing on independent, non-commercial films since 2002. The 20th edition of Animafest Cyprus - Views of the World, is taking place on August 11 to 14, 2021 at the village of Salamiou. You are invited to attend and submit your work for the following categories: International Short Film Competition (deadline: February 28, 2021); Cyprus National Short Film Competition (deadline: June 20, 2021).
4. Visual Effects Society Awards
Event: April 6, 2021
Submission deadline: January 16, 2021
The Visual Effects Society (VES) honors and recognizes outstanding visual effects artistry and innovation worldwide across different genres. The upcoming 19th Annual VES Awards will be held on April 6, 2021. Entries are now being accepted until January 16, 2021 for visual effects in Film, Television, Special Venue, Games, Animation, VR and New Media created between January 1 and December 31, 2020.
5. Toronto Animation Arts Festival International
Event: February 19 - 21, 2021
Submission deadline: November 15, 2020
The Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) celebrates leading animated feature films and shorts worldwide, and is open to everyone. Submissions for the upcoming animation film festival, TAAFI 2021, were open until November 15, 2020 (free of charge). The festival will run from February 19 to 21, 2021. Categories include: Audience Choice, Grand Prix, Best Canadian Short, Best International Short, Best Kids Short, and Best Student Short.
6. Celsys’ International Illustration Contest
Event: February 12, 2021
Submission deadline: January 14, 2021
Clip Studio Paint software developer, Celsy, has announced its 26th International Illustration Contest, with this year's theme "The Best Smile." Artists can submit their works by posting their entry to Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook with the hashtag #cspcontest26. The submission deadline is January 14, 2021 (Thu) 23:59 GMT.
7. LA Shorts International Film Festival
Early deadline: March 5, 2021
Late deadline: June 4, 2021
Now in its 25th year, LA Shorts International Film Festival ranks among the most prestigious and largest international short film festivals in the world. The festival screens over 300 films and attracts 10,000 attendees each year including Hollywood industry professionals and emerging undiscovered independent filmmakers. 2021 submissions are open. Other deadlines: regular deadline - April 16, 2021; extended deadline - May 14, 2021.
8. Animafest Zagreb
Event: June 7-12, 2021
Submission deadline: Nov. 1, 2020 - Feb. 1, 2021
Animafest Zagreb - World Festival of Animated Film is a festival for filmmakers from all around the world and showcases creative animation, in all its different forms. Animafest Zagreb invites you to submit your films for the 31st edition of the festival, taking place on June 7 to 20, 2021 in Zagreb. Submission deadline for short films in call categories is February 1, 2021. Submission deadline for feature films and VR projects is March 15, 2021. Entry fee is free.
9. Fantoche International Animation Film Festival
Event: September 7 - 12, 2021
Submission deadline: May 16, 2021
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