At first, in 2002, university student founded. And then it has been organized in 2003. In 2004, student organized the festival again. Then IAF and Turkish Cartoon Foundation combined to organize the festival. First two festivals were national with Turk animators. The third one has international films and competitors. And this year we are organizing 4th Istanbul International Animation Festival.
Festival have two section. One of sections is workshops and conferences. Professional animators and special effect artists tell animation industry and some experiences. Second section of festival is a competition. Istanbul Animation and Special Effect Short Film Competition appliance open for everybody. Therefore we can see Turkish animations, and young animators were encouraged.
