The 9th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival will take place in Baku from May 13 to 17, 2026

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" and in 2025, "ANIMAFILM in Ganja", "ANIMAFILM in Lankaran", "ANIMAFILM in Khankendi", "ANIMAFILM in Lachin" 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

Awards & Prizes

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION:
- Best Short Animated Film - GRAND PRIX
- Best Short Animated Film for Children
- Best Animated TV Series

AZERBAIJANI COMPETITION:
- Best Azerbaijani Short Animated Film
- Best Project of ANIMAFILM Pitching Competition

SPECIAL AWARDS:
- Audience Award
- Special Award of the Azerbaijan Animation Association
- Sponsors special awards

Rules & Terms

Films must meet the following requirements:

- Can be submitted in local or international categories.
- Must be produced after January 1, 2025.
- Must be animated for at least 50% of their length. There are no restrictions on the animation techniques and themes used in the film.
- The deadline for entries is March 25, 2026.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Zeynab Gurbanova

    The head director and the staff of this Festival so beautiful people, so polite and so hardworking. Last year Kovsar won International Jury,s Special Mention Award and it was so great feelings. Thank you for such Animation Festival. We are happy to be there every year.

    September 2023
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  • Ayan Novruzlu

    I would like to sincerely thank the ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival for rewarding my film Empty Spaces. It's with utmost sincerity that I recommend this festival to any upcoming animators, the hospitality, warm welcome and amazing communication was a one of a kind experience. Looking forward to submit my future works here as well!

    September 2023
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  • Conform Cox

    Didn't attend, but met the festival directors elsewhere, very passionate people. Interesting selection! Well done.

    December 2022
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  • Tang rehoo

    I loved this amazing festiva! Wished to be there!

    September 2022
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  • John Dawson

    Great communication and they kept me in the loop. Sorry I could not attend your wonderful event.

    September 2022
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