Held from October 3rd -- 6th, OIAF 2002 continued its tradition of showcasing animation and artists from around the world. Attendees included a diverse group of animators, educators, students and industry professionals. There wasn’t any shortage of things to do with over 100 films screening in competition, workshops, retrospectives of David Ehrlich, Piotr Dumala and John Amitay, a studio spotlight on Buzzco Associates, and the first ever art exhibition of animator/director Igor Kovalyov…and that’s not all!

A quick glance at the schedule of events revealed a tremendous variety of things to do and see. But, the key ingredient for this festival was the apparent enthusiasm of the participants. The laid-back atmosphere and comfortable setting were inspired backdrops for numerous conversations, animation screenings and the occasional impromptu harmonica jam at the Chez Ani, the designated after hours festival hangout. For a taste of Ottawa, check out our picture book and see what some of this year’s participants had to say!

The halls of Ottawa’s National Arts Centre await the onslaught of animation fans for yet another year of festival fun. All photos courtesy of Darryl Gold, except where noted.

Chris Hinton, animator/director

"The Ottawa Festival is the uber festival for me with all the riveting spark and portly effervescence of a well-crafted lasagna, a jamboree of joy as fine as a sack of warm pickles.

"I would never hesitate to hitch up my trusty travois and head north to Ottawa for this Festival is as useful as a freshly taped hockey stick at center ice."

As always, a heap of folk line up…"