The first Voronezh International Animation Festival kicks off on May 19, with details emerging from the Voronezh-based animation studio and festival organizers through TASS.
Participants and observers are currently invited to submit applications for the inaugural Voronezh International Animation Festival. Applications are accepted through March 31, 2023, via the festival’s official website. The organizers emphasize that this call is open to both Russian and international productions, with eligibility limited to works not submitted prior to January 1, 2021.
The festival outlines specific competition categories: long-form cartoons ranging from 60 to 160 minutes, short cartoons spanning 1 to 30 minutes, and animated series also within the 1 to 30 minute format. In addition to the competitive program, a non-competitive program will be presented, offering a broader showcase for diverse styles and storytelling approaches.
The event is slated to run over three days, concluding on May 21. Leadership comes from Vladimir Nikolaev, general producer of the Voronezh animation studio, who assumes the role of festival director. Alena Sycheva, a film critic and cartoon producer, will serve as the program director. The international jury, whose composition will be announced in due course, is expected to bring a broad range of expertise from the global animation community.
Earlier communications included notice of European musicians preparing to participate in the X Trans-Siberian Arts Festival, signaling a broader cultural collaboration beyond animation itself.
Across the event, organizers aim to highlight innovation in animation, foster collaboration among creators from Russia and other countries, and provide a platform where emerging talents can engage with seasoned professionals. Attendees can anticipate curated screenings, discussions, and opportunities to explore industry trends and techniques that drive contemporary animation forward. The festival’s emphasis on both competitive entries and a robust non-competitive program is designed to appeal to filmmakers, producers, critics, and fans alike, underscoring Voronezh’s growing role on the international animation stage.
As the festival approaches, the organizers encourage eligible studios and independent creators to review submission requirements carefully and to prepare materials that clearly demonstrate artistic vision, technical execution, and narrative impact. The overall aim is to assemble a diverse slate of works that reflect a spectrum of cultures and voices, while also recognizing achievements in animation craftsmanship, storytelling, and innovation. The event promises a dynamic schedule, immersive screenings, and opportunities for networking with peers and potential collaborators from across North America, Europe, and beyond, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to global dialogue in the medium.