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Ottawa International Animation Festival 2002: Picture Book

Joan Kim captures the flavor of the Ottawa International Animation Festival 2002 in pictures and quotes.

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 wasnt 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 Kovalyovand thats 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 years participants had to say!

The halls of Ottawas 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.

The halls of Ottawas 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" kim0203_pumpkins.jpg

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but the real fun starts when they break open the marshmallows.

but the real fun starts when they break open the marshmallows.

Adriaan Lokman, 2002 Annecy grand prize winner for Barcode, and Martine Chartrand. Photo courtesy of Martine Chartrand.

Adriaan Lokman, 2002 Annecy grand prize winner for Barcode, and Martine Chartrand. Photo courtesy of Martine Chartrand.

Martine Chartrand, animator/director

"For a MAXIMUM of happiness, I try to see the maximum amount of films, meet the maximum amount of people and play music and have fun with as many old friends making new friends from around the world whenever I can.

"The best thing about Ottawa is the incredible atmosphere of friendship alongside animation. I discovered new styles of animation, new artists and I really enjoyed playing music and with the great drummer, Frederic Lebrasseur, as well as the harmonica jam at Chez Ani with Pilar Mitchell-Newton. Im looking forward to returning again."

Chris Lanier, Martine Chartrand and Jean Detheux relax and discuss the days events at the festivals designated watering hole, the Chez Ani. Photo courtesy

Chris Lanier, Martine Chartrand and Jean Detheux relax and discuss the days events at the festivals designated watering hole, the Chez Ani. Photo courtesy

Bill Plympton and Pilar. Photo courtesy of Pilar Newton-Mitchell.

Bill Plympton and Pilar. Photo courtesy of Pilar Newton-Mitchell.

Pilar Newton-Mitchell, animator/director

"I always have SUCH a good time at the Ottawa International Animation Festival that I catch the worse cold ever EVERY time I go; I call it the "Ottawa Flu." So when Im not jamming on the harmonica at Chez Ani, Im popping extra-strength Sudifed. I wouldnt have it any other way! The tie that I always wear to the festival once belonged to the great Mike Gribble (of Spike and Mikes fame) I got it because his lovely wife was giving out the ties at the 1994 Ottawa festival in his memory. A little piece of history on my neck. I have worn it proudly to every Ottawa festival Ive been to. Heres to many more!"

Igor Kovalyov takes a look at one of his finished prints the evening before his exhibition opening. Photo courtesy of Andrei Svislotsky.

Igor Kovalyov takes a look at one of his finished prints the evening before his exhibition opening. Photo courtesy of Andrei Svislotsky.

David Ehrlich and Mikhail Gurevich at the opening of Kovalyovs exhibition. Photo courtesy of Andrei Svislotsky.

David Ehrlich and Mikhail Gurevich at the opening of Kovalyovs exhibition. Photo courtesy of Andrei Svislotsky.

Igor Kovalyov, animator/director

"For me, its a very lucky festival. Twice in my life I received a grand prize. The first time was in 1989 for Hen, His Wife. And this year I was able to exhibit my graphic artwork for the first time ever amongst great friends and an enthusiastic crowd. I havent missed a festival since first attending in 1992. Its always been a great opportunity to see a variety of films and meet with fellow animators and animation supporters."

Chris Robinson, OIAF artistic director, tests the integrity of the exhibition wall. Photo courtesy of Andrei Svislotsky.

Chris Robinson, OIAF artistic director, tests the integrity of the exhibition wall. Photo courtesy of Andrei Svislotsky.

Darryl Gold, animator/director

"The great thing about the Ottawa Animation Festival is it treats animation with the reverence and respect it deserves - even the crap animation! And it's great for meeting people. I've made all my best contacts roasting marshmallows!"

Darryl Gold, fearless photo-serialist and OIAF supporter, provided images of this years festival and makes a fine habit of documenting what he sees at darrylcam.com.

Darryl Gold, fearless photo-serialist and OIAF supporter, provided images of this years festival and makes a fine habit of documenting what he sees at darrylcam.com.

For more photos and information on this years festival, visit our AWN Ottawa Affiliate site online.

Little Cows musical composer László Kollár-Klemencz (left) and director/animator Igor Lazin (right) sip on some lemonade at the closing night party.

Little Cows musical composer László Kollár-Klemencz (left) and director/animator Igor Lazin (right) sip on some lemonade at the closing night party.

Kovalyov leans on Robinson at the Chez Ani as another event-packed day winds down.

Kovalyov leans on Robinson at the Chez Ani as another event-packed day winds down.

Joan Kim is the general manager of Animation World Network. Previously as a post-production coordinator at THX she oversaw the lab print quality assurance program for feature releases. She received her B.A. in English Literature from UCLA and continues to pursue an education in computer graphics there.