The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF), founded in 1975 by the Canadian Film Institute, held its inaugural event in 1976, marking the first major animation festival in North America. Initially a biennial event, it became annual in 2005. OIAF is recognized as the largest and oldest animation festival in North America, attracting over 25,000 attendees each September.
The festival showcases a diverse array of animated works, including narrative and abstract forms, and serves as a critical platform for independent animators and filmmakers. OIAF encourages innovation and experimentation in the medium, reflecting the evolving landscape of animated storytelling. It also hosts panels, workshops, and masterclasses, providing insights into the craft of animation and the industry.
The festival’s international competition awards outstanding animated works across various categories, including student films, and serves as an important networking event for animators, offering opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and exposure to potential distributors.
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is North America’s oldest and largest animation festival, held annually in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It serves as a premier platform for animators worldwide to showcase their work, fostering innovation and excellence in the animation industry.
OIAF has premiered numerous influential animated films. In 2023, the festival awarded the Grand Prize for Short Animation to Miserable Miracle, directed by Ryo Orikasa, and the Grand Prize for Feature Animation to When Adam Changes, directed by Joël Vaudreuil. These films exemplify the festival’s commitment to recognizing groundbreaking work in animation.
In 2024, OIAF continued its tradition of honoring exceptional talent by awarding the Grand Prize for Short Animation to La Voix des Sirènes, directed by Gianluigi Toccafondo, and the Grand Prize for Feature Animation to Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis.
The festival’s “Best of Ottawa” program curates a selection of award-winning and audience-favorite short films each year, showcasing a variety of styles and techniques that reflect the dynamic nature of animation. This initiative underscores OIAF’s dedication to promoting innovative and thought-provoking animated works.
Through its annual events, OIAF has become a significant cultural institution, contributing to the global appreciation and advancement of animation as an art form. Its recognition of outstanding projects and creators continues to inspire and influence the animation community worldwide.
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