AWN is pleased to welcome ASIFA-Canada to the AWN family.

ASIFA (International Animated Film Association) was

founded in 1957 in France by a group of professional

animators to promote the art of animation. Today, there are

ASIFA chapters in nearly thirty countries worldwide, but

Canada was one of the first countries to form its own

national chapter, ASIFA-Canada. Through its publications and

activities, the organization seeks to foster communication

amongst ASIFA members within Canada and internationally;

inform its members about new developments in animation;

educate the public and governmental bodies of the importance

of animated filmmaking; and encourage participation by its

members in animation festivals around the world. The

ASIFA-Canada web

site offers practical information on how to

become a member, a discussion group, and a message

board/guest book. It also presents its video project,

"Canadian Animation on Video," a compilation video cassette

of 15 films by independent animators, to be launched at the

Ottawa Animation Film Festival in September 2000; and the

Norman McLaren Heritage Award, with profiles of the past

winners. The site will be expanded in the near future, with

an Archives section, a Member Profiles Viewing Room, and more!