The AfroAnimation Animation Summit proudly presents the 6th Annual Short Animation Film Awards. Join us from April 23rd-24th, 2026, at the AMC Burbank 16 Theatre in Burbank, CA. This year’s event features in-person film screenings, main stage panels, workshops, career development labs, a job fair, studio recruiting sessions, an expo hall, portfolio reviews and our prestigious awards ceremony—all celebrating the vibrant world of animation and content creation.

AfroAnimation (AAS2026) has grown into the largest diverse platform of nearly 8,000 global creators, including producers, artists, executives, independent filmmakers and industry legends. This year, AfroAnimation will showcase exceptional indie short animations created by non-traditional and women filmmakers. We’re inclusive, recognizing creators from diverse backgrounds worldwide.

The AAS2026 Short Animation Film Awards and screening will culminate on Friday, April 24th, with our awards ceremony at the AMC Burbank 16 Theatre. Winning these awards can be life-changing, offering filmmakers exposure to influential industry figures and a global audience, along with a cash prize, opportunities to connect with major studio executives, distributors and film financiers. Award recipients are chosen by a distinguished jury with a focus on unique perspectives.

If your film is a finalist, up to 10 minutes will be screened at the Summit in Burbank. Winners are determined by a combined vote of 60% from the jury and 40% from the audience.

Awards & Prizes

Best Children’s Content Short: Open to animated shorts for children aged 12 and under, featuring family-friendly content.

Best Adult Short: Open to animated shorts rated PG or equivalent, designed for audiences over 12 years.

Both winners receive a $500 cash prize and a custom trophy.

Rules & Terms

We welcome indie animated shorts that center on diverse, multicultural creators and narratives. Eligible entries must meet these criteria:

- Film Length: Must not exceed 10 minutes.

- Category Options: Films can be submitted in both Adult and Children’s categories with separate entries.

- Screening Rights: Selected films will be shown both in-venue.

- Format Requirements: DCP format for theatre screenings.

- Finalist Benefits: Finalist films may be showcased as part of the festival’s opening screening and will receive a complimentary Summit pass.

- Animation Content: Films must include at least 50% animation in any style.

- Language: Films in languages other than English must have English subtitles.

- Eligibility: Publicly viewable films are welcome.

Filmmakers must own the rights to all submitted content. Finalists grant AfroAnimation permission to use brief excerpts for promotional purposes. Selected films will be notified by April 14, 2026 at 11:59 PT.

Semi-Finalist and Finalist Rules:

1. Designate a contact person with valid phone and email information.
2. Confirm the film’s completion date via email.
3. Grant AfroAnimation permission to use a 30-second clip and still images for promotional purposes.
4. Verify that the film does not infringe any copyrights.

Three finalists will compete for the second runner-up, first runner-up, and summit winner awards. In case of a tie, a fourth judge will cast the deciding vote.

There will be at least three official judges. In the event of a tie, a fourth judge will make the tie breaking vote. AfroAnimation maintains the right to make rule updates from time-to-time. Check back here for new updates.

TO SUBMIT A FILM , YOU NEED TO:

1. HAVE COMPLETED THE FILM AFTER SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2023.

2. COMPLY WITH THE PRESELECTION CONDITIONS

3. FILL OUT THE SHORT ONLINE ENTRY FORM

4. UPLOAD ONE ANIMATION SHORT FILM PER PERSON
(UP TO 10 MINUTES RUNNING TIME) ONLINE TO FilmFreeway

FILM SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026 BY 11:59 PM PT.

5. IF YOUR FILM IS SELECTED, YOU MUST COMPLY WITH
AFROANIMATION’S RULES AND REGULATIONS.

Indemnification. Applicant and rightsholder shall at all times, indemnify, defend and hold AfroAnimation Plus Inc, and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, judges, employees, service providers, contractors and sponsors of the foregoing harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses including, reasonable counsel fees, arising out of or relating to: festival violations, omissions, violations of copyright.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Don Dixon

    Honored to have my film "Darwin the Dreamer" which is now LIVE at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVY-wBxQ-Dc&t=6s selected to be apart of this festival.

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • Bianca O'Neill

    A wonderful festival festival with great communication and updates.
    Sadly, we could not make it in person bit honoured to come 3rd in the short Animations. Hopefully will get the chance to come in person in the future.

    April 2025
    Helpful
  • George Ohan

    We had high hopes for this festival based on the list of sponsors. . . When compared to other festivals, this one was below average as it pertains to communication, emails, and organization. The name of the festival is what intrigued us at first. I wish them great success in the future. It seems like they have a hardworking team, just doing toooo much, plus trying to coordinate this event. Lacks attention to details for now. . .

    May 2022
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    George, we wish your personal experience was better. However, we received a rating post Summit and Festival of 9.3 out of 10. Furthermore, we took a survey post Summit and Festival and no comments shared your experiences. We make available on our website instant chat functionality and our email for any questions or concerns.

  • mohsen salehifard

    The festival was held online with good quality and with great reception. There were good opportunities in the festival and a good platform was created. Thanks to the organizers

    May 2022
    Helpful
  • Oday kahdum

    The festival was amazing and organized

    May 2022
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Oday