CAFF, the Cultural Animation Film Festival is designed to showcase unique animated films based on the cultures of who we are. Our hopes is that these films will shed a better light on who we are as a people. We also hope that CAFF will inspire animators both new and seasoned from around the world to create films and share their stories.

Rules & Terms

Guidelines for submission are pretty straight forward.

Animation/live action combo, video game demos and experimental films are also accepted for submission however Live Action films, AI based animated films or short and Animation Reels will not be accepted.

This is a competitive festival in three categories.
CAFF Jury Award
Best Student Film
Best Young Animator

*Please note, live action films and AI based animated films will automatically be disqualified.

When submitting films please include the following:
Directors name(s)
Animators name(s)
Synopsis of film
A film viewing link
Culture represented
Is this a school or student project?
Company's name (if applicable)​
15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • YI Ling Lin

    I am the director of 'Stacy' and my name is Yi-Ling, Lin.
    I’m really honored that Stacy has been selected for the 10th annual Cultural Animation Film Festival 2026!
    The origin of this animation goes back to October last year, when a close friend from high school passed away. Through this project, I wanted to remember her, and also record the changes in my own emotions.
    Having this film participate in this film festival is very meaningful to me. It represents my youthful memories and proves my determination to continue creating.
    Although I couldn't go to the CAFF in person this time, I appreciate these screenings and CAFF very much!
    Hope the audiences were enjoying the screening and hope I will have the luck to meet CAFF again one day. :)

    May 2026
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    Response from festival:

    Aloha Yi,
    The audience loved it. I witnessed several people brought to tears by it's beautiful storytelling. Thank you for being part of the festival.
    Michael

  • Anya Vaughn

    I had really hoped to attend the CAFF Festival in person, but since I wasn’t able, it was great to be able to view the festival virtually. Everything, from the beautiful welcome ceremony, to the moving introductions, to the very impressive films of my fellow animators, was so enjoyable and worthwhile for me to take part in as a filmmaker. I am so appreciative of the opportunity to have my film, The Tale of Mari, screened at CAFF and would like to thank the Honolulu Museum of Art, the CAFF team, and community partners for making this possible for young animators like myself. I hope to submit more films to CAFF in the future and attend in person next time.

    December 2024
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  • Joe Chang

    Fantastic Festival with excellent programming! My animated short film Moonlit Night of Spring River was screened this year. Thank you very much!!

    November 2024
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  • Stuart Taylor

    An absolutely fabulous Festival. Great communication. You could tell the enthusiasm and love of children's creativity. The festival would be very high on my "must go to pick up ideas" list, but much too far away from Oxford. Thank you for all the very hard work you must put in

    October 2023
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  • Pamela Oliver Munoz

    Such a positive experience! Great communication! Thank you for including “Love Has No Borders” in your wonderful lineup.

    October 2023
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