ASIFA India’s line up for International animation day celebrations

POP the champagne, blow the candles…. let loose.

Brethren in animation, it is that time of the year when the world’s animation enthusiasts get together and celebrate. This year 30 countries worldwide will celebrate October 28 as International animation day.

ASIFA India, headed by Bill Dennis and Mumbai’s very own animation expert Shrirang Sathaye had a few months ago announced celebration plans. The final schedule is as follows

  1. An official proclamation made by a Govt Official, designating October 28 as International Animation Day in India. (approx. 10 minutes)
  2. The presentation of the ASIFA-India Award of Excellence to the best Indian animated film of 2003.(Earlier in the year, over 100 films were entered into the competition. From those entries a shortened list of 30 was sent to an elite group of directors/animators from ASIFA-SanFrancisco. They shortened the list even further and the final 15 were presented at a large audience at the Coppola Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco. Their votes have determined the winner.) (approx. 15 minutes)
  3. Screening of the winning film(s). (approx. 30 minutes)
  4. Blue ribbon panel forum of top animation experts (creative and executive) discussing the future of animation in India. To be moderated by Bill Dennis, Panel Members include heads from VCL, TASI, Rhythm and Hues, Cartoon Network,Indiantelevision.com representatives from top animation schools and Studio Systems.(30-45 minutes)
  5. Question and Answer session with audience and media (15 minutes)

Says Asifa India president Bill Dennis, “This is the second time that we are celebrating International animation day. We hope to make this an annual affair. The main objective of ASIFA India is to promote originality in animation and to promote Indian talent Inernationally”

“We are looking to expand the ASIFA India membership base and this particular event is open to all animation professionals and enthusiasts.” added Asifa India Vice president Shrirang Sathaye

The celebrations begin at 6.30 pm,The Mayfair Rooms, Worli, Thursday 28 October 2004.

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