Australian International Animation Festival 2018

4,000 submissions - 120+ films - 8 Programs - 4 FREE Filmmaker Presentations - Prizes

Wagga Wagga is proud to present the 15th Anniversary of the Australian International Animation Festival. This internationally renowned event features over 120 prestigious films adeptly selected from more than 4,000 submissions from all around the world. The range of styles, genres and techniques is testament to the vibrancy and relevance of creative animation and the premiere screening of this highly acclaimed collection is happening right here in Wagga Wagga!

The festival showcases an eclectic mix of films and will give audiences a complete, up-to-date snapshot of the international creative animation scene. A series of free talks and workshops given by talented Australian animators will provide those with questioning minds a chance to learn more about how and why these films get made. There are many more surprises yet to be announced so come along and thoroughly enjoy the AIAF experience.

The Australian International Animation Festival (AIAF) is a non-profit venture bringing the worlds’ best animation to Australian audiences. Our ethos is to bring incredible, independent, inspiring, experimental, quality animation to as wide an audience as possible by presenting a true snapshot of the international animation scene on the big screen in Wagga Wagga. The mission is not only to bring quality animated films to the masses, but to build upon an untapped network of diverse artists with the potential to drive the future economy of creative industries. Our reward is attracting passionate animation enthusiasts in the undoubtedly one of the most relaxed and informal animation festivals you’ll find anywhere.

Forum 6 Cinema
77 Trail Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
+61 2 6921 6863
Date: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th May 2018

• FREE Animation 10x Seminars
• $8 Kids Program
• $13 Single Session
• $50 Full Festival Pass

WIN amazing door prizes from Wacom, Toon Boom Animation & MIAF!!!

Buy a Full Festival Pass and save over 50% for the entire weekend, guarantee seating, chance to win major door-prizes, see bonus films, network with key people and more! For the latest AIAF news please visit the new website http://www.aiaf.info or like the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/australianfestival

AIAF2016 Schedule

Friday 18th May

5:30pm - Doors Open
6:30pm - Official Opening & International Program #1
8.00pm - Best of International Student Animation

Saturday 19th May

11.00am - Kids Screening (all ages)
2.00pm - Animation 101: Malcolm Turner’s Annual Showbag (free seminar)
3:00pm - Animation 102: Secrets of the ‘Lost Property Office’ (free seminar)
4.30pm - International Program #2
7.30pm - Australian Showcase & Meet the Australian Filmmakers
9:00pm - Late Night Bizarre (18+)

Sunday 20th May

11.00am - Kids Screening (all ages) [Repeat]
2.00pm - Animation 103: Fresh Eyes On Estonia (free seminar)
3.00pm - Animation 104: Chinese Animation - The New Generation (free seminar)
4.30pm - International Program #3
6.00pm - SIGGRAPH Showcase

* THE PRIZES *

AIAF attendees can win a new Wacom Intuos Pro graphics tablet, professional Toon Boom products, 2 x Full Festival Passes to the Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF) and more…

* THE FILMS *

International Programs 1-3 (M15+)

The International Programs are the backbone of the whole AIAF mission. Your up-to-date snapshot of the world’s independent animation scene. The freshest new shorts taken from the 4,000+ films competing for your love. There’s every style, every technique, every genre. Drawn from a global call for entries, they are a set of headlights illuminating the current state of the international indie and auteur animation scene worldwide. Be the first to experience these beautiful films on the big screen!

Australian Showcase (M15+)

Our most important program. AIAF Wagga Wagga hosts a collection of the best new Australian animation. This is the first opportunity each year to see a comprehensive collection of new Australian films, many of them introduced by the filmmakers in attendance. A vital and popular program, there aren’t many opportunities to see Australian animation on the big screen and each year AIAF probably shows more than any other event in the world. This is an opportunity to see what Australian animators are doing, how they’re doing it and how the art form is traveling. After the screening, there is a chance to meet many of the animators, hear them talk about their films and ask them questions about their work.

Best of International Student Animation (M15+)

A collection of the best new student animation from some of the best schools in the world. These films defy any notion of amateur status and showcase amazing competitive talent that demands attention and makes waves. And YOU get to vote for the Best of the Best. Your votes will choose the film named “Best Student Film” at MIAF in JUNE and everybody who completes a voting form goes in the draw to win a Full MIAF 18 Pass with the lucky winner announced on Sunday night.

Kid’s Program (All Ages)

Definitely one of the must-see events of AIAF every year, an incredible program of films specially selected to spark the imaginations of our most special audience. Animation, like childhood, can be just full of wonder with the biggest pleasures being the simplest ones. This program carefully chosen for our youngest viewers strips away all the soft-sell toy ads and the over-the-top blockbuster-style special effects and just delivers up a program of wonderful films full of simple joys. Loved by adults as well, this program is truly exceptional.

Late Night Bizarre (R18+)

Are you ready for the unforgettable thrills of our most daring program? The ultimate experience in pushing the wildest boundaries of contemporary animation returns for our adventurous audience’s viewing pleasure. Prepare the Alphabetti-Spaghetti for anyone who told you animation is just cartoons for kids. You know you want it! We know you want it! Here it is!

SIGGRAPH Showcase (M15+)

It’s time to touch base with that massive global ‘hitching post’ of the digerati.... SIGGRAPH. For over 40 years, this event has been shining the brightest light down the digital animating path, encouraging devotees of the form to constantly push boundaries and experiment with new tools, toys and ideas.

* THE PRESENTATIONS *

Animation 101: Malcolm Turner’s Annual Showbag

Every year we cast AIAF Co-Director Malcolm Turner out into international waters to trawl for incredible animations unseen by Australian audiences. Samples from his journey into places like Kosovo, Galacia and a vault of old pre-independence Polish animation are just teasers for his annual report on the eclectic animation ecosystem he hunts in. With a superb track record for spotting films that go on to receive major recognition, you can brag that you saw it at AIAF first.

Animation 102: Secrets of the ‘Lost Property Office’

Daniel Agdag’s 2017 short film, ‘Lost Property Office’ was awarded 2 Dendy’s at the Sydney Film Festival, received a Special Jury Mention at MIFF, won the AACTA Award for best animation, and was shortlisted for an Academy Award in 2018. The stop-motion film was crafted entirely by hand and shot over a 12-month period in his Melbourne studio. Aside from filmmaking Daniel has fine art practice and has exhibited throughout Australia, Hong Kong and New York, with sculptures held in numerous collections. Discover the astonishing creativity behind his award-winning work and meet the incredible artist in person.

Animation 103: Fresh Eyes on Estonia

Last November VCA graduate Annie Murray ventured to Tallinn and became a convert to Estonian animation. She toured Nukufilm Studio, interviewed Priit and Olga Parn, hung out with the likes of Chintis Lungren, Priit Tender, Mati Kutt and Rihi Unt. Bonding with the new generation of post-independence Estonian animators, her mission was to curate a program of exemplary new works and now that she has returned with a stash of great films and a bundle of wild stories… it’s time for revelations!

Animation 104: Chinese Animation - The New Generation

Animation - like everything else - is powering ahead in modern China. A new generation of Chinese animators, empowered with the latest animating tools and rapidly expanding educational opportunities are carving out a diverse and unique body of work. This presentation will introduce you to some of the rising stars and showcase a collection of outstanding original short films.

General admission to the festival is rated M15+ except for the Kids Program (all ages) and Late Night Bizarre (Restricted to 18+).

Kids Program – Specifically programmed towards 4 – 10-year old’s whilst still entertaining more mature patrons, this screening gives children the world’s best animation for just $8! Pricing includes adults.

Late Night Bizarre– Film classification regulations in Australia require that this program is restricted to an audience of 18 years of age and over. Please respect that we are not able to admit any person under the age of 18 years into this screening due to graphic adult content that may offend.

The Animation Seminars for free for anyone to attend but may contain mature content.

For more information please visit the official website http://aiaf.info or call the Forum 6 Cinema (02) 6921 6863. If you would like to stay updated with daily AIAF news, please consider liking the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/australianfestival