International Animation Day 2025 Celebrates Global Animation Art

Every year on October 28, the world celebrates International Animation Day (IAD)—a global homage to the art of animation, observed across more than 50 countries. Spearheaded by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d’Animation), this celebration marks the birth of projected animation, commemorating Émile Reynaud’s historic screening using his Théâtre Optique in 1892, Paris.

The Origins of IAD

• ASIFA established International Animation Day in 2002 to spotlight animation as a powerful form of artistic and cultural expression.
• It honors Reynaud’s milestone—the first public performance of animated moving images—which predates traditional film screenings and laid the foundation for modern animation.

The Power of Animation

From 3D blockbusters in theatres to experimental shorts, animation is everywhere,

• Commercial films and special effects
• TV advertisements, music videos, and multimedia installations
• Educational media, independent films, and children’s art

Animation transcends boundaries. It includes diverse techniques such as drawing, claymation, puppet animation, stop motion, sand art, and digital rendering. Because of its visual nature, animation communicates ideas across languages and cultures, making it a unique medium of global storytelling.

How IAD Is Celebrated

IAD is marked by an array of activities including,

• Film screenings (from children’s animations to indie art films)
• Workshops for aspiring animators and students
• Conferences and exhibitions hosted by ASIFA chapters and animation institutions

Some countries organize large festivals, while others hold smaller screenings or school-based events. The emphasis is on participation and sharing, not scale.

Annual IAD Poster & Artist

• Each year, ASIFA commissions a renowned animator to design the IAD poster.
• The 2025 IAD poster was created by Lucija Mrzljak, capturing the spirit of animation and adapted for various countries to maintain a global visual identity.
• Organizers can use the poster, artist signature, and ASIFA logo to design flyers, booklets, and digital campaigns promoting local events.

Global Film Exchange & Cultural Dialogue

• To foster international collaboration, ASIFA also supports a film program exchange, enabling countries to share animation works across borders.
• This initiative promotes cross-cultural learning, showcasing animation styles, techniques, and themes from around the world.
• Organizers are encouraged to report their events and film trades for documentation and future planning.