Search form

Ottawa Animation Festival Going Online for 2021

With the pandemic still to be reckoned with, event will go virtual again this year, with an extended run set for September 22 – October 3; the best of the usual ‘in person’ activities will be featured and available from the safety and comfort of home; submissions still being accepted through May 31.

It’s official - The Ottawa International Animation Festival will once again be held online, with an extended run planned for September 22 - October 3. Organizers had hoped for an “in person” event, but due to the continued COVID-19 restrictions and realities, they’ve determined a safe and enjoyable event would be difficult to stage.

“Online OIAF 2020 was a huge success for showcasing films,” shared managing director Kelly Neall. “And the artist and industry talks were a hit with the animation community including students and fans from across North America and around the world. This year will be even better.” 

The online 45th edition of OIAF will feature the most popular events of the live festival including the Official Competition and Panorama screenings showcasing the best new animated films from around the world. Participants will be able to take part in a wide-range of artist and industry talks, meet with animation schools and recruiters, and just hang-out with some of the world’s best animators. InGenius Jr Day for Families will return, along with free events for high school students. The event will extend its dates, giving participants two full weeks to take in all the content at home.

The Animation Conference, OIAF’s industry event, will move online again as well, offering enhanced networking opportunities providing delegates unprecedented access to development executives from around the world.

Passes will be going on sale this summer. Animation students will once again have access to a heavily discounted pass that will provide access to all screenings and talks.

“Having to run online again is not what we had envisioned this year,” added artistic director Chris Robinson. “But so be it. We’re up for the challenge again and we will still give audiences the usual OIAF mix of entertaining, hilarious, inspiring, infuriating and pleasantly bizarre as we all eagerly await a return to being in person again in 2022.”

More information about the Festival will be rolling out over the course of the summer, including pass and ticket prices along with programming details. Currently, OIAF is still accepting entries for this year’s online edition, the submission deadline is May 31.

Source: The Ottawa International Animation Festival