SIGGRAPH 2012 Art Gallery: In Search of the Miraculous presents exceptional digital and technologically mediated artworks that explore the existence of wonderment, mystery and awe in today’s world of mediating technologies and abundant data.

How do we anticipate the future and what will be the role for artistic individuals in its shaping? What kind of creative canvases will the future offer us? How will technology, sciences and their fusion with arts impact our creative powers? How will imagination fit into this brave new world?

Odyssey Pictures has put out a sneak peek at some of the artwork for the forthcoming animated feature, “Hank the Cowdog,” based on the beloved children’s literary franchise by John R. Erickson.

Golden Kuker-Sofia

3rd International Animation Film Festival

June 11th-17th, Bulgaria

One of the most important cultural events in Bulgaria, the International Animation Film Festival "Golden Kuker" - took its first steps in the National Palace of Culture in October 2010 in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was vividly reflected in the media and was recognized by the film critics as very successful. More than 200 films from 29 countries entered the competition in 2010 and more than 340 films from 51 countries in 2011 (among which were authors of films nominated for an “Oscar” and films of artists awarded at international festivals category "A"). IAFF “Golden Kuker” is the first festival of animation in Bulgaria since the beginning of the new century. It is organized by BAICAA (Bulgarian Association of Independent Cartoon Animation Artists "Proyko Proykov” - a non-profit organization), chaired by Mrs. Nadezhda Slavova (cartoon artist, filmmaker and author of numerous animation films).

The Festival exists to disprove the common opinion that animation is only for kids by screening a myriad of attention-engaging, intelligent films from the most exotic countries in the world, showcasing different animation techniques, showing that animation is for everyone. The supporting events such as workshops, master-classes, lectures, round tables and presentations, provide a rare opportunity to meet world renowned animation professionals, make contacts and present/watch the latest animation creations from all around the world.

The programme of the festival includes: Competition programme covering several categories (feature films /over 50 min/, super-short films /up to 1 min/, short films /up to 10 min/, short films /10-50 min/, Bulgarian films, student films, films made for kids, commissioned films, eco-animation films /2012 festival edition/).

Zagreb Film Festival

October 14th-21st 2012

Zagreb, Croatia

The tenth Zagreb Film Festival will be taking place from 14-21 October 2012. The screenings and events will be taking place in several venues in Zagreb: in cinemas Europa, Tuškanac, Grič and Dokukino Croatia and in Zagreb Dance Center which will be turned into an attractive cinema during the festival week. A part of the program will also be shown in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Novi Zagreb. By spreading across the Sava River, Zagreb Film Festival will merge with the city more than ever and will remain the biggest and most important film festival for the people and visitors of Zagreb. Some 90 films will be shown in seven programs. On average, the festival screenings are seen by around 30,000 viewers.

The main competition program of the festival will present new first or second films of international directors: eleven long feature films, ten short feature films and some fifteen documentary films. The films will be competing for Golden Pram Awards in their respective categories. Besides its international program, the festival will also present Checkers, the national short film competition program. It will include a dozen of films made by new Croatian authors in order to boost and promote Croatian film production.

Every year, Zagreb Film Festival presents a few additional programs the purpose of which is often educational. These programs are realized in cooperation with Croatian and foreign selectors and international festivals and institutes. Some of such previously presented programs include Red Westerns and Wheel (in cooperation with Rotterdam International Film Festival), Film: Protest, Film as Propaganda (selector: Daniel Rafaelić), Bunker (selector: Bernd Buder, Berlinale)... and many others.

Also, in order to help promote Croatian authors and short film production, for the third year in a row we are cooperating with relevant short film festivals (last year it was Tampere Film Festival). In addition to film programs, the festival features numerous presentations of festivals and institutes, book promotions, lectures, photo exhibitions and – in cooperation with Croatian Film Association – Palunko Screenwriters' Workshop.

From our very origin humanity has been striving to unravel and unveil the grand design, the very scheme by which this vast Universe, and all within it, works, and the ingenuity by which it all begun, as well as where it is all evolving to. In this pursuit, as history has shown, we have wasted a lot of time seeing ourselves as unique, the center of it all, the ones around whom everything revolves.

This “making of” book takes an in-depth look at the concept and production art of DreamWorks’ upcoming animated feature, Madagascar 3.

I challenge students to expose themselves, not physically but spiritually. I call upon them to “take the condom off their head”, have an unsafe idea, for life is too short and precious for following in someone else’s steps, make your own path through an untapped space.

Pratt Institute, currently celebrating its 125th anniversary year, will be showcasing a host of talent at Pratt Show 2012, which will take place from May 7-10.

Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market

June 4th-9th

Annecy, France

Check out the latest animated gems, find out about current and future trends, meet up with your favourite film directors and up-and-coming talents, track down new associates and partners... in the fun and friendly atmosphere of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

 There are 5 theatres in and around Annecy screening Festival films from 10am to 11pm. The programme includes films in the official selection and screenings which don't need to be reserved.Each evening at 10pm, there is also a screening on the giant screen on the Pâquier lawn (opposite Bonlieu, free access). Established animators and budding creatives, film directors and producers, teachers and students, designers or artists, long-standing fans or newcomers to the art... everyone can be found at the Festival.

The Festival is paying tribute to Ireland this year.

It is perhaps too early to say that there is a particular style of Irish animation cinema. Influenced by the USA, but especially by Europe, these creations are still in their infancy. However, you will discover the diversity of this animation through TV commissions, graduation and independent films, as well as some prize gems from the archives.