Through nearly 400 objects from the 17th century to the present, Devices of Wonder explores our long and playful entanglement with the magical technologies and artful instruments that we have placed between our eyes and the world. Centuries before the advent of cyberspace, humans created a host of gadgets to enhance visual perception. Mirrors, microscopes, magic lanterns, automata, dioramas, panoramas, perspective theaters and metamorphic toys have all expanded human perception at different times, amplifying reality into more vivid virtual events. Devices of Wonder draws from the collections of the Getty Research Institute, the J. Paul Getty Museum, and lenders worldwide to bring together several hundred of these beautiful and bizarre ancestors of our modern museums, cinema, cyborgs, fiber optics and computers. Several works by contemporary artists such as Lucas Samaras, Cindy Sherman, Jeff Wall, Tiffany Holmes and James Turrell resonate with the complex lineage of our seductive new technologies. This exhibition was organized by the Getty Research Institute.

An Evening of Diversions - Featuring intriguing amusements inspired by the Devices of Wonder exhibition, An Evening of Diversions invites audiences to step back in time 100 years, when the new century offered mind-boggling technological advancements. Produced by Community Arts Resources, the evening features cinema's first frames, a magic lantern show and other acts of wonder that amazed the public in 1901. No reservations required. At the J. Paul Getty Museum on Saturday November 17, 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

The field of animation is now a vital part of both film and television production. These industries are increasingly utilising 2D and 3D models to enhance animated and virtual images. A variety of new techniques and technologies are constantly emerging in the animation market providing a constant need for evaluating these trends.

Following last year

The 3rd European Gathering of Young Digital Creation is focused on digital art from animation to special effects. Some of the themes of this year's event will be animation and special effects in feature films, sound in cinema and multimedia and royalties. The festival includes training symposiums, screenings and discussions. Guest speakers will include Raoul Servais, creator of KIRIKOU Michel Ocelot and co-director of Axis, Chris Delaporte.

Visit Raoul Servais' AWN Showcase.

Read Animation World Magazine's article on KIRIKOU to learn more about the amazing work of Michel Ocelot.

The Vancouver Effects and Animation Festival (VEAF) showcases all types of effects work and animation from realistic water effects to traditional cel animation work. The event will feature guest speakers, panels and awards. Some of the categories for the festival competition are: Commercials (animated), Commercials (effects), Feature Film (animated), Feature Film (effects), Music Videos (animated), Music Videos (effect), Short Films, Titles, Idents, PSAs and Stings, Simulations, Education and Training Videos, Student Work, CD-Roms and Websites. The 2001 special guests included visual effects legend Ray Harryhausen and Mark Gustafson, senior creative director/supervising producer for THE PJS.

To celebrate its 21st anniversary, Imagina, the International Festival for Digital Images, innovates. The Monte-Carlo Television Festival aims to highlight the importance of computer graphics in broadcast and content media. The competition will be judged by a panel of internationally renowned experts who have, themselves, brought innovation to the Festival in previous years. The awards ceremony and the exhibition will be an excellent promotional opportunity for the films that are screened.

The animation community is invited to Local 839's Open House Holiday Party, Friday, December 7 from 6 pm to midnight. Beverly Garland Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom, 4222 Vineland in North Hollywood (just south of the 101). Free hors d'oeuvres and no-host bar; open to the entire animation community. No RSVP necessary; call Local 839 at (818) 766-7151 for details.

Cartoombria showcases animation from around the world, with a focus on digital and multimedia animation. The festival also holds special events highlighting international schools and training programs on computer animation, new media and Web animation.

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The 35th Annual WorldFest is one of the oldest film & video festivals in America and the world. WorldFest gave first honors to Spielberg, Lucas, David Lynch, Randall Kleiser, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott, The Coen Brothers, Ang Lee, Michael Cimino and hundreds of others. WorldFest offers more than $25,000 in cash and equipment awards, including the $2500 Kodak Raw Stock Award. There are 6 production seminars presented by top industry talents, such as cinematographers Vilmos Szigmund and Laszlo Kovacs,special effects director Richard Edlund, and director Robert Wise.

The Phoenix AZ film writer Craig Outhier stated "FORGET SUNDANCE! ... WorldFest is one of the best conceived film festival productions on the planet." We screen in 35mm and digi-beta & Beta-SP only on the Christie 6000 DLP Roadie. We select 60 new features for premiere and we unspool 100 new shorts, docs, student and experimental films. On big screens in new theaters, not hotel rooms! A visit to our web site and a review of the filmmaker "Comments" will say all that needs to be said about WorldFest.

Please consider this your personal invitation to be part of the festival of discovery, WorldFest-Houston!