MinnAnimate is an annual animation festival that takes place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

The festival takes place over one weekend in September, with programming emphasizing locally and regionally made animation. The event brings together animators of all disciplines and experience levels.

Screenings in 2026 will take place at Trylon Cinema in South Minneapolis.

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBLE FILMS—
(i) Utilize animation as the principal means of production.
(i) Were completed after January 1st, 2025.
(i) Can be of any genre. Music Videos are eligible.

PROGRAMMERS PRIORITIZE—
(i) Films by independent animators, students, and youth.
(ii) Films made in the Midwest.*
* MN, WI, IA, ND, SD, MI, MO, OH, IL, IN, NE, and KS.

SUBMISSIONS GUIDE
(i) Submissions are only accepted via Film Freeway.*
*IMPORTANT: Ensure the 'State/Province' field in the 'Submitter Information' section is filled.
(ii) The deadline to submit is June 29th, 2026.
(iii) Notifications of acceptance will be sent by August 17th.
(iv) Films made in the Midwest can submit for free. Films made anywhere else must pay a fee of $5.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
By submitting, you—
(i) Certify ownership of the rights to all images, music, sound effects, and soundtracks of your festival entry.
(ii) Authorize MinnAnimate to use your publicity materials and/or excerpt(s) of the film for promotional purposes.
(iii) Agree to submit full-resolution movie files upon selection.

THE EVENT
MinnAnimate will take place at Trylon Cinema September 12th - 13th, 2026.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Julia Curry

    Such a great time, excited to see this festival expanding! Strongest sense of community out of all I've attended so far :)

    September 2025
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  • Kiarra Moore

    It was a privilege to be apart of this show! Wonderful experience and wonderful shorts, I'm honored.

    September 2025
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  • Alexander Dupuis

    Great time coming up from Chicago for this - programming was an enjoyable mix of fantastical and cozy this year, and there's a good group of indie Minnesota animators and studios around the screenings.

    September 2025
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  • Natalia Poteryakhin

    Great celebration of indie animation in Minnesota, hosted across several iconic local theaters and the people are great. Accessible and wonderful that it’s free. Will always submit when I have a film cooked up!

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Sawyer Toulouse

    An incredible festival. It showcases really inspiring talent and allows for chances to connect with other creatives- I can't wait to submit for and attend future events!

    September 2025
    Helpful