Bill Dennis talks about some changes in the board at ASIFA International.
I guess you could consider this blog, primarily, a commercial. A commercial for ASIFA, the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation. ASIFA’s distinction is that it’s the only international animation association.
I’m a big fan!
ASIFA has been around for the past 50+ years. It boasts a membership in the thousands and individual chapters in 35 countries. I’ve been an international member for the past 15 years and have had chapter memberships in ASIFA Hollywood and ASIFA San Francisco. A dozen years ago I founded the chapter in India and remain as president emeritus sharing leadership responsibilities with Saraswathi Balgam (known to all her friends as Vani) I also served as Executive Director of ASIFA International for a period of time.
If you’re in the animation business, you really need to be a member. Why, you ask? For me, one of the most important reasons for the ASIFA association is the network of artists and filmmakers I’ve been able to establish. Since my company is international it’s important that I have lines of communication with artists and filmmakers around the world. Through ASIFA I’ve established special friendships and working relationships with colleagues from every corner of the globe including Africa, Europe, South America, North America, The Caribbean and Asia. It’s a real plus!
ASIFA also sponsors a variety of activities designed to bring us all closer together. International Animation Day is an annual event celebrated around the world to commemorate the first animation ever screened. This event alone attracts over 20,000 participants. The event is celebrated each October. Other activities include the Animation Workshop Group with their special film projects, the ASIFA prize (for individual distinction and merit) and the Animation Magazine which is published periodically throughout the year. For more detail you can go to www.asifa.net. Individual international membership in ASIFA runs $20 a year. Local chapter memberships vary with each chapter.
Recently there were some changes in the ASIFA leadership. The president, Nelson Shin from Korea concluded his term. Nelson has been an ASIFA member for several decades. He’s the founder and managing director of AKOM Studios in Korea and the publisher of Animatoon magazine. Replacing Nelson is Ed Desroches from the USA. Ed is a web designer, instructor and filmmaker. He serves as President of ASIFA Colorado and VP of ASIFA International. Voting also took place for Secretary General and Ms Vesna Dovnikovic was re-elected to another 3 year term. Vesna is president of ASIFA Croatia and VP of the World Festival of Animation Films in Zagreb.
Next month I’ll be blogging from India and in May I’ll be blogging from Sofia, Bulgaria where I’ll be serving as Honorary Chairman of the Jury for the Golden Kuker International Animation Festival.
Bye for now.
Bill Dennis
