What are the most important 2D animation industry events to attend?

1 Annecy International Animation Film Festival

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival is the oldest and largest animation festival in the world, dating back to 1960. It takes place every June in Annecy, France, and attracts over 12,000 animation professionals, students, and enthusiasts from more than 80 countries. The festival showcases the best of 2D animation in various categories, such as feature films, short films, TV series, student films, and VR works. It also hosts the MIFA market, where you can pitch your projects, find co-producers, distributors, and buyers, and network with industry leaders. The festival also offers workshops, masterclasses, conferences, and screenings, covering the latest trends and innovations in 2D animation.

2 CTN Animation Expo

The CTN Animation Expo is a three-day event that takes place every November in Burbank, California, the heart of the animation industry. It is organized by the Creative Talent Network, a platform that connects animators with studios, recruiters, and mentors. The expo features over 300 exhibitors, including animation studios, schools, software companies, and artists. You can also attend panels, presentations, demos, and interviews with some of the most influential 2D animators in the industry, such as Glen Keane, Andreas Deja, and James Baxter. The expo also offers portfolio reviews, recruitment sessions, and networking opportunities, making it a great place to advance your career in 2D animation.

3 Ottawa International Animation Festival

The Ottawa International Animation Festival is the largest animation festival in North America, and one of the most respected ones in the world. It takes place every September in Ottawa, Canada, and showcases over 200 2D animation works from around the world, in categories such as feature films, short films, student films, experimental films, and commissioned films. The festival also hosts the Animation Conference, where you can learn from experts, pitch your ideas, and network with potential partners. The festival also offers workshops, masterclasses, retrospectives, and parties, where you can celebrate the art and craft of 2D animation.

4 Animafest Zagreb

Animafest Zagreb is the second oldest animation festival in the world, after Annecy. It takes place every June in Zagreb, Croatia, and focuses on 2D animation in all its forms and genres. The festival presents over 400 2D animation works from around the world, in categories such as feature films, short films, student films, children's films, and experimental films. The festival also hosts the Animafest Pro section, where you can attend lectures, workshops, panels, and roundtables, covering topics such as 2D animation history, theory, criticism, and production. The festival also offers screenings, exhibitions, awards, and social events, where you can enjoy the diversity and creativity of 2D animation.

5 Animation Dingle

Animation Dingle is a two-day event that takes place every March in Dingle, Ireland, a picturesque town with a rich animation heritage. It is organized by the Dingle International Film Festival and the Irish Animation Awards, and aims to celebrate and promote the best of 2D animation in Ireland and beyond. The event features screenings, panels, workshops, and awards, covering topics such as 2D animation storytelling, character design, technology, and education. The event also hosts the Animation Dingle Student Awards, where you can showcase your work and compete for prizes and recognition. The event also offers networking opportunities, where you can meet with industry professionals, recruiters, and mentors.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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